PORTLAND | History is knocking on the door for the Warner Pacific University Men's Soccer team (15-2, 11-1), as the Knights soundly defeated the Southern Oregon University Raiders (13-3, 9-3) on Friday afternoon by a final score of 4-0, setting up the decisive conference championship match tomorrow evening on their home field.

Knights' Head Coach Troy Ready, who was as animated as anyone might be in the circumstances he and his coaching staff have worked their way into this year, shared, "The performance of our team today was inspiring. The quality of attack, composure in our finishing, and defensive grit all contributed to a great result."

"Our team will be full of confidence and desire heading into the final match, in hopes of winning the conference title. It's going to be a special night," Ready went on the say.

Though overlooked by an offensive explosion, the most exceptional play today was from the Warner Pacific defensive unit, as they held a lethal Raiders offense that's currently ranked third in the conference in goals to just 1 shot on goal, and 9 shots overall for the game. Senior goalkeeper Alexis Calderilla-Hurtado keeps his home field record perfect for the year, and clinches his 7^th shutout of the season, which is currently tied for first in the conference.

Striking in the 29^th minute for WPU was senior midfielder Matias Castano, who found his chance on a batted ball from Raiders' goalkeeper Liam Kalhagen. Instead of catching the ball to attempt a save, Kalhagen elected to punch the ball out with his fists, giving Castano an open opportunity to send a header into the back of the net.

The second score of the match was nothing short of beautiful, as Knights' senior forward Arturo Bahena perfectly placed a cross to junior forward Sunjoon Tenorio, who volleyed the incoming pass right by the stunned Southern Oregon goalkeeper.

Talk about being at the right place at the right time for Knights' senior defender Hunter VanCleave, who found the back of the net on a misplay from Kalhagen directly in from of Southern Oregon's goal. VanCleave picked up his 3^rd goal of the season, and extended the Knights' lead to 3-0 in today's match.

Rounding out the scoring today was none other than offensive superstar Arturo Bahena, who added to his conference leading goal count on a breakaway play from midfield, sprinting right past two Raider defenders, and ultimately juking out Kalhagen for the 4^th goal of the day.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Warner Pacific Men's Soccer team will battle the Oregon Tech Hustlin' Owls (15-1, 11-1) for the Cascade Collegiate Conference Regular Season Championship, which would be the first in WPU history. The Senior Day festivities are set to begin promptly at 4:30pm PST, with the start of the championship-deciding match shortly to follow.