FOREST GROVE, ORE. – What began as a cold and wet Saturday morning turned into a beautiful afternoon, providing desirable weather for a soccer game. The Warner Pacific Knights, looking to start their season with a 3-0 record, headed off to NCAA Division III Pacific University for a noon time kickoff. Just before noon, the clouds broke and the sun shone through, leaving a nice reflection off the wet turf in Forest Grove and after 90 minutes of play, the Knights ended their road-game preseason campaign with three straight wins, the first 3-0 start for the program in over a decade.
 
Follow the Knights on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
 
The Rundown
The Knights, having scored at least one goal in their previous two games, were looking to keep the heat streak alive against the Boxers. Finding their offensive groove and maintaining the possession, it seemed the team had really found their mojo weaving the ball through the feet of the Pacific defenders. Just as the first half was coming to a close, Knights newcomer and brother of WP's Arturo Bahena, Christian Bahena, received a great cross ball from Breno Senna about five yards out from the line, sending it just past the keepers shin. Heading into the intermission the Knights were up 1-0.
 
Using Bahena's goal as evident momentum, the Knights struck quickly in the second half. Senior Nick Evans found the back of the net just five minutes into the half with what would ultimately be the goal to secure the Knights' victory. The Knights really kept the pressure on the Boxers' defense, firing off 11 shots in the second half. In total, Warner Pacific launched 17 shots to Pacific's six, forcing the home team's keeper to make seven saves. Knights keeper Luis Hernandez recorded his second shutout of the season with four saves.
 
Deeper Look
Warner Pacific is 7-4 all-time against the Boxers and Saturday's win extends their winning streak to four
Nick Evans leads the Knights with two goals on the season
Luis Hernandez has yet to allow a ball to sneak past him in the goal this season
 
 
Flash Forward
After two weeks on the road, the Knights will have their first home opener midday on Monday against their neighbor from just a couple doors down, Multnomah University in a non-conference contest. Kick-off is set for 2:30pm.