FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 30, 2026
Klamath Falls, Ore.| The Warner Pacific University men's soccer team traveled to Klamath Falls on Friday afternoon for a crucial Cascade Collegiate Conference matchup against Oregon Tech University. Despite a strong second-half offensive effort that saw the Knights generate 11 shots, Warner Pacific fell to the Owls 4-0 at the Oregon Tech Soccer Field.
Oregon Tech established its attack early, putting pressure on the Warner Pacific defense throughout the opening minutes. The Knights looked to generate opportunities of their own, with
Alfredo Jimenez recording WPU's first shot attempt in the 11th minute, but his effort was blocked by the Owls' defense.
Oregon Tech broke through in the 16th minute when Merrick Tambio finished an assist from Kevin Alvarenga to give the Owls a 1-0 advantage.
Warner Pacific continued searching for an equalizer as the first half progressed. The Knights earned corner kicks in the 19th and 26th minutes, looking to create opportunities inside the attacking third.
Felix Mendoza generated another scoring chance in the 34th minute, but his shot was blocked.
The Knights' defense held Oregon Tech scoreless for the remainder of the opening half, keeping the deficit at just one goal heading into the break. Warner Pacific came out of halftime with renewed energy and immediately began applying pressure to the Oregon Tech defense.
The Knights earned a corner kick just 28 seconds into the second half before Jimenez generated another shot attempt in the 48th minute. Moments later,
Lewis Rumrey put Warner Pacific's first shot on goal of the afternoon on frame, forcing Oregon Tech goalkeeper Noah Harwood into a save.
WPU continued its offensive surge as
Damian Palominos sent a header just wide of the goal in the 50th minute. Luis Gonzalez followed with back-to-back shot attempts, both blocked by the Oregon Tech defense.
Rumrey continued to lead the Knights' offensive push, putting another shot on goal in the 56th minute before generating a third attempt in the 60th minute that sailed high. Despite Warner Pacific's aggressive start to the second half, Oregon Tech extended its lead in the 62nd minute when Yahir Ramos scored off an assist from Eric McGuire, making it 2-0. The Owls added another goal in the 66th minute following a Warner Pacific own goal, extending their advantage to 3-0.
Oregon Tech scored its final goal in the 77th minute when Andrew George finished an assist from Lucas Kay-Wong, pushing the score to 4-0. Even with the deficit, Warner Pacific continued battling in the closing minutes.
Mario Jauregui-Vallarta provided an offensive spark for the Knights, recording three shot attempts between the 81st and 85th minutes, including two shots on goal that forced saves from Harwood.
Warner Pacific finished the afternoon with 13 total shots and four shots on goal, with 11 of those attempts coming in the second half. The Knights also earned six corner kicks, holding a 6-5 advantage over Oregon Tech in that category.
Rumrey and Jauregui-Vallarta led the Warner Pacific attack with three shots and two shots on goal apiece. Gonzalez and Jimenez each recorded two attempts, while Palominos, Mendoza and
Julio Andrade contributed one shot each. In goal,
Owen Purvis played the full 90 minutes for the Knights, recording five saves against Oregon Tech's nine shots on goal.
The Knights' second-half offensive effort was a bright spot, as Warner Pacific outshot Oregon Tech 11-9 over the final 45 minutes after being limited to just two attempts in the opening half.
"We looked nothing like ourselves today and it costs us an important result," Head Coach
Troy Ready said. "I anticipate that our players will respond with a far better showing of who we are on Sunday."
The result moves Warner Pacific to 6-7-2 overall and 4-6-1 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play as the Knights continue through the final stretch of their conference schedule.
Next Up
The Knights will be at it again on Sunday at 1pm against Southern Oregon in Ashland, Oregon.
