PORTLAND, Ore.| The Knights got a huge statement win in their matchup with No. 19 Corban University on Saturday with a final score of 1-0.
The stage was set for Saturday's dramatic clash between the two conference powerhouses. Warner Pacific and Corban both came into the game 10-0, sitting atop the CCC standings. The Knights and Warriors held the top two spots in nearly every conference metric. The Warriors had not allowed a goal all season and the Knights had the conference's top two goal scorers.
The Knights looked strong all throughout the game. Creating multiple scoring opportunities and keeping consistent pressure on Corban's defense. While the scoring opportunities weren't turning into goals, the Knights looked comfortable and in control against the NAIA's No. 19 ranked team.
The game went to halftime knotted up at 0-0 and the Knights looked to maintain their control of the pacing in the second half.
The game was incredibly physical all throughout. Every player on the pitch knew the importance of this regular season matchup and played with great intensity.
While the intensity was evident the entire game, it wasn't until the second half that we started to see the effects of that kind of play. As nine of the game's 10 yellow cards were awarded in the second half.
The second half saw the Knights create some early scoring opportunities that didn't come through. Around the 60-minute mark, Sun Tenorio entered the game for the Knights and brought incredible energy with him. While the box score may not show much action for Tenorio, he was a force in the second half, keeping the energy and momentum in favor of the Knights.
Tenorio was constantly closing in on defense, stifling potential scoring opportunities for the Warriors. Additionally, Tenorio helped keep the ball in Corban's half of the pitch, consistently applying more pressure on Corban.
With the clock winding down in the second half, the collective nerves of everyone in attendance were palpable. Fans in attendance at a packed Eastside Timbers Complex were itching to see that one big moment. No one wanted to see this game end in a tie.
That big moment came with seven minutes left in the game. Sun Tenorio had a beautiful deep pass downfield to find Andrew Martinez who had a one-on-one matchup heading into Corban territory. With the conference's leading goal scorer screaming towards the net to take the shot, he was fouled inside the box, setting up a penalty kick.
Stepping up to take the penalty kick was Erik Mattice. Time stood still as Mattice lined up opposite Corban's Quinn McCallion; the conference's leading goalkeeper who hadn't allowed a goal all season up to that point.
Mattice made his move and drilled his shot into the top left corner of the net past the outstretched arms of McCallion. The place erupted. The Knights bench and the Warner faithful watching on went crazy at the late goal.
Mattice's goal proved to be enough, and the Knights held tight to secure their 1-0 victory.
The win puts the Knights at 11-0 on the season. Men's soccer is back in action October 7 when they take on Multnomah at Eastside Timbers.
