FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 25, 2026
Portland, Ore.| After a long wait, the Warner Pacific University women's soccer team returned to the pitch Tuesday evening, opening its 2026 season at home against Simpson University. The Knights battled the Red Hawks for 90 minutes, with the season opener ultimately ending in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams generated opportunities throughout the opening half but were unable to find the back of the net. Simpson held an 8-5 advantage in shots through the first 45 minutes, while both teams earned three corner kicks. Despite the chances, the Knights' defense held strong to send the match into halftime scoreless.
Warner Pacific wasted little time breaking through in the second half. In the 49th minute, Clarisa Lemus stepped to the penalty spot and converted the opportunity to score the Knights' first goal of the 2026 season and give WPU a 1-0 advantage.
The lead would last just eight minutes, however, as Simpson's Nadia Santiago found the equalizer in the 57th minute with an unassisted goal to even the match at 1-1.
Neither side was able to break through again over the final 33 minutes, leaving the Knights with a draw in their first match of the season.
Warner Pacific's attack became increasingly dangerous as the match progressed. After putting one shot on goal in the opening half, the Knights recorded three shots on target in the second half, including Lemus' penalty-kick goal.
New Warner Pacific goalkeeper Evelyn Montiel Silva also made an immediate impact in her debut for the Knights. Montiel Silva recorded seven saves and allowed just one goal, helping keep WPU in position to earn a result throughout the evening.
Next Up
The Knights will look to build on their season-opening performance when they hit the road later this week. Warner Pacific travels to Lacey, Washington, to take on Saint Martin's University on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the SMU Soccer Field.
