PORTLAND – Dating all the way back to 2006, every season opening counting competition for Warner Pacific University Men's Soccer has ended in a Loss or Tie. On Wednesday, the streak was broken. For the first time in 15 years, the Knights opened their season with a valiant 1-0 victory over NCAA Division III Linfield University.
"It was another step forward with getting more minutes on players' legs in another competitive environment. It was encouraging to have a clean sheet," exclaimed Knights Head Coach
Troy Ready. "The back three;
Hunter VanCleave,
Kai Flugel and
Babucarr Touray, along with goalkeeper
Luis Hernandez, deserve credit for keeping us 1-0 until the final minute. There's still a lot to work on but it's always a boost in morale to grind out a 1-0 victory" he added.
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The Rundown
With low temperatures and a slight breeze, it took both teams a while to get warm. However, there was no shortage of aggression and physicality as the game featured 21 fouls — 11 charged to the Knights and 10 to the home team. Quality scoring chances were infrequent, but the Knights were able to convert at the 42:02 mark in the first half. Knights junior
Babucarr Touray sent a ball cross field where it met the boot of
Armando Nieblas, sending it soaring past the keeper.
Although the Wildcats struggled to find the nylon on their 15 shots, the Linfield offense still managed to keep the Knights on their toes through the final whistle. Directing the back line was senior keeper
Luis Hernandez. Hernandez went on to finish the game with eight saves, giving his all to defend the back of the net for a complete 90 minutes. As coach Ready previously noted, Warner Pac's defense was airtight, clearing every Linfield corner kick that came their way.
Deeper Look
Knights clinch first season opener win in 15 years.
Luis Hernandez ended the night with eight saves, notching his first shutout of the year.
Armando Nieblas scores only goal of the game and first in a WPU uniform.
Flash Forward
Coming off the victory, the Knights look to bring a much needed heat wave to the PNW with a Friday night game against George Fox on what could be 2021's first "snowpocalypse".
