FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 29, 2026
Portland, Ore. | The Warner Pacific University women's soccer team hit the road Saturday for a preseason matchup against Saint Martin's University. Despite striking first and carrying a lead into halftime, the Knights came up just short in a 2-1 loss to the Saints.
Warner Pacific grabbed the early advantage in the 34th minute when Litzy Gonzalez found the back of the net to put the Knights ahead 1-0. The Knights' defense held off six Saint Martin's shot attempts during the opening half, allowing Warner Pacific to carry its one-goal advantage into halftime.
Momentum shifted shortly after the break as Saint Martin's found the equalizer in the 50th minute. Peyton Bowser scored an unassisted goal to even the match at 1-1.
Just eight minutes later, Bowser broke through the Warner Pacific defense again. This time, Annika Akiona provided the assist as Bowser scored her second goal of the match in the 58th minute to give the Saints a 2-1 advantage.
Warner Pacific continued to battle down the stretch in search of an equalizer, but the Saint Martin's defense held firm. The Saints limited the Knights to three shots during the second half and kept Warner Pacific off the scoreboard over the final 45 minutes to secure the victory.
"I'm really proud of the growth and improvement we continue to see from this group," head coach Greg Pfleger said. "We're getting better, and now we're learning how to finish games with the same confidence and resilience we've shown throughout them."
Gonzalez led the way offensively for the Knights, capitalizing on her scoring opportunity to record her first goal of the season. Warner Pacific finished the match with seven total shots, placing four on target, while the Knights' defense recorded six saves.
Next Up
The Knights return home for their third preseason match when they take on Pacific University at the Eastside Timbers Sports Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
