PORTLAND, Ore. – In a rare non-conference matchup, the Corban University Men's Soccer team battled Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) foe Warner Pacific University this afternoon at the Eastside Timbers Sports Complex, where the Knights secured a 3-1 victory over the Warriors to set up a crucial conference revenge contest at the start of October for the Navy and Gold on their own home turf.
"Today was a good test as we continue to prepare for conference play," Warriors' head coach Tim Kagey explained earlier today. "We definitely still have work to do, but we are moving in the right direction."
In just a matter of minutes, the host Knights (2-1-0) stormed down the pitch and scored on two separate occasions before the ten minute mark had even been reached, as midfielder Pedro Calderon netted both goals, the first on a cross into the box from midfielder Mario Jauregui-Vallarta, and the second on a questionable penalty kick opportunity provided to the Knights.
Just minutes into the second half, the Warriors retaliated with their first goal of the contest, as a mistake made within Warner Pac's defense resulted in a 1-on-1 opportunity for freshman midfielder Josue Lomeli in front of the net thanks to a redirected clear by senior midfielder Santiago Castano. Lomeli simply tapped the ball past the Knights' goalkeeper to cut their deficit in half.
On a handful of occasions, the Navy and Gold nearly tied up the contest throughout the second half to force a crucial road draw yet had to settle for the 3-1 decision after the Knights found an 83rd minute goal from forward Musa Jatta thanks to an assist from midfielder Bryan Jimenez to all but wrap up today's matchup.
Sophomore defender Aaron James led the Warriors' offense with two shots, one of which was on goal to represent a fourth of the team's total shots on goal this afternoon. Only five other Corban student-athletes registered shots in an uncommonly low offensive output for Coach Kagey's squad. Redshirt senior goalkeeper Isaac Pureco received the loss against his record after allowing the two first half goals, while redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Callum Thompson allowed the third and both registered a save.
The second of Calderon's pair of goals eventually represented the game-winner today for Warner Pac, who led all attackers with three total shots. The Knights also had a pair of goalkeepers split time in the net, with Jonathan Flores picking up the win and Jonathan Hernandez surrendering the lone Warrior goal.
Corban men's soccer will have a quick turnaround before their next contest, as they'll travel to Newberg for a 7pm night game against NCAA DIII George Fox University (1-0-1) this upcoming Sunday, September 7th.
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