FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 16
th, 2026
Portland, Ore.| The Warner Pacific University men's soccer team returned home Thursday for a Cascade Collegiate Conference matchup against The Evergreen State College. After entering halftime even at 1-1, the Knights delivered a strong second-half performance, scoring twice over the final 45 minutes to secure a 3-1 victory over the Geoducks at Eastside Timbers Sports Complex.
Warner Pacific began creating opportunities early, with
Jose Robles,
Alfredo Jimenez and
Lewis Rumrey all generating chances within the opening 14 minutes. The Knights' early pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Luis Gonzalez converted a penalty kick to give WPU a 1-0 advantage.
The Knights held onto the lead for much of the opening half, but Evergreen found an equalizer shortly before the break. Kolby Juarez scored in the 43rd minute to bring the match level at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Warner Pacific came out of the break determined to regain control. After Robles sent a header high in the opening seconds of the half, the Knights broke through again in the 57th minute when
Ethan Zavala found the back of the net to put WPU back in front, 2-1.
The Knights continued to apply pressure following Zavala's go-ahead goal. Less than a minute later, Rumrey put a header on frame, forcing Evergreen goalkeeper Tom Cole to make a save as Warner Pacific looked to extend its advantage.
WPU eventually found its insurance goal in the 73rd minute.
Bryan Jimenez delivered the Knights' third goal of the afternoon, pushing the lead to 3-1 and giving Warner Pacific some breathing room heading into the final stretch.
The Knights remained aggressive even with the two-goal advantage.
Alfredo Jimenez and
Bryan Jimenez each forced saves in the 77th minute before
Linden Maurer,
Julio Andrade and Gonzalez all put additional attempts on goal over the closing minutes.
Warner Pacific finished the match with 18 total shots and 10 shots on goal, holding an advantage over Evergreen's 14 shots and five attempts on target. The Knights were especially active offensively after halftime, producing 13 shots and nine shots on goal over the final 45 minutes.
Gonzalez, Zavala and
Bryan Jimenez each scored for Warner Pacific, with Jimenez finishing with three shots and two on goal. Robles led the Knights with four total attempts, while
Alfredo Jimenez put both of his shots on target. Nine different Warner Pacific players recorded at least one shot in the victory.
In goal,
Owen Purvis played all 90 minutes for the Knights, making four saves while allowing just one goal. After Evergreen's late first-half equalizer, Purvis and the Warner Pacific defense kept the Geoducks off the scoreboard for the entire second half.
Following the victory, Warner Pacific head coach
Troy Ready praised the continued progress of his team and the confidence the Knights displayed after building their second-half advantage.
"We're seeing more glimpses of the immense quality within our team each and every match. Today in particular after we scored our third goal, the freedom and joy of our players was evident. We've now taken another step towards the momentum we are targeting. Sunday is another important match for us and I'm sure we'll be highly motivated," Ready said.
The victory moves Warner Pacific to 4-5-2 overall and 2-4-1 in conference play as the Knights earn an important home result and look to carry their momentum into Sunday's matchup.
