FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 20th, 2026
Prescott, Ariz.|Â The No. 8-ranked Warner Pacific University men's soccer team opened its 2026 campaign Thursday with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as the Knights controlled much of the attacking pressure and finished with a sizable advantage in opportunities.
Warner Pacific (0-0-1) outshot Embry-Riddle 17-11 over the 90 minutes, including an 11-4 advantage in the second half. The Knights also generated five corner kicks compared to three for the Eagles and forced Embry-Riddle goalkeeper Sam Macdonald to make five saves.
The Knights began creating chances early. Luis Gonzalez put Warner Pacific's first attempt on target in the ninth minute, forcing a save from Macdonald. The pressure continued with back-to-back corner kicks before Gonzalez nearly broke through again in the 23rd minute, putting a header on frame that Macdonald was able to keep out.
Warner Pacific goalkeeper Owen Purvis answered when called upon at the other end, stopping Nitai Bental's attempt in the 24th minute to keep the match scoreless.
Jose Robles provided another quality opportunity for the Knights in the 32nd minute, putting a shot on target that was again turned away by Macdonald. Warner Pacific continued to push forward through the closing stages of the opening half, but neither side could find the breakthrough before heading into halftime tied at zero.
The Knights turned up the pressure after the break. Warner Pacific produced 11 shots during the second half while limiting Embry-Riddle to just four. Gonzalez opened the second-half attack with an attempt in the 47th minute, and Mario Jauregui-Vallarta and Felix Mendoza continued to create chances as the Knights searched for the opening goal.
The Knights' attack became especially dangerous as the match entered its final 25 minutes. Mendoza forced another save from Macdonald in the 71st minute before Hudson Akines and Jauregui-Vallarta each followed with attempts of their own.
Purvis and the Warner Pacific defense remained composed when Embry-Riddle managed to counter. The Knights' keeper came up with an important save on Rodrigo Garcia in the 77th minute, helping preserve the clean sheet.
Warner Pacific continued pressing for a winner down the stretch. Miguel Galacia generated consecutive attempts in the 80th and 81st minutes before Robles put another shot on frame in the 84th minute. The Knights earned one final corner in the 88th minute, and Bryan Jimenez produced Warner Pacific's final opportunity moments later, sending an attempt just wide left.
Although the game-winner never came, the Knights walked away from Prescott with a strong defensive performance and a point to begin the season.
"We started finding our form as the match unfolded and were able to create some quality chances especially in the second half," Head Coach Troy Ready said. "It was a physically demanding game and the sort of match that will move us forward to ensure we are getting sharper in key areas. Obviously, we had hoped for a win but getting a result on the road against a good opponent is still important."
Gonzalez led the Warner Pacific attack with four shots and two on goal, while Robles finished with two shots and placed both on target. Mendoza added two shots with one on goal. In total, Warner Pacific put five of its 17 attempts on frame while holding Embry-Riddle to just three shots on goal.
Purvis finished with two individual saves, with the Knights also recording a team save, as Warner Pacific secured its first clean sheet of the 2026 season. The Knights' defensive effort was particularly impressive in the second half, when Embry-Riddle managed only four total shots.
The physical contest featured 35 combined fouls, with Embry-Riddle being whistled for 26 compared to just nine against Warner Pacific.
With the scoreless draw, Warner Pacific begins the season 0-0-1 while showing why it enters the year ranked among the nation's top teams, generating sustained offensive pressure and keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard for the full 90 minutes.
Next Up
The Knights will take on Arizona Christian University on Saturday in Glendale, Arizona at 9am. Game time at 9am is set to be a scorcher with temperatures over 90 degrees.
