FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 1st, 2026
Portland, Ore. | The Warner Pacific University women's soccer team returned home Monday night for a non-conference matchup against Pacific University. The Knights broke through for their first victory of the season, earning a 1-0 shutout over the Boxers.
Warner Pacific set the tone from the opening whistle, consistently pressuring the Pacific defense and firing 11 shots during a dominant first half. The breakthrough came off the foot of midfielder Litzy Gonzalez, who found the back of the net to give the Knights a 1-0 advantage.
The goal marked Gonzalez's first of the season and allowed Warner Pacific to carry a one-goal lead into halftime.
Momentum shifted after the break as Pacific made a strong push for the equalizer. The Boxers controlled much of the second-half possession and outshot the Knights 12-1 over the final 45 minutes.
Despite the increased pressure, the Warner Pacific defense refused to break. Goalkeeper Evelyn Montiel turned away all five shots on goal she faced in the second half, helping preserve the Knights' one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
Gonzalez led the Warner Pacific attack with four shots, placing three on target to go along with the game-winning goal. Katya Tercek added three shots, while Emily Robinett recorded two.
Montiel delivered a standout performance in goal, stopping all eight shots on target she faced to earn the clean sheet and help secure Warner Pacific's first victory of the season.
"We started a little slow tonight, but I'm really proud of how this team responded," head coach Greg Pfleger said. "We kept working, kept growing into the game, and continued to bring energy and fight until the final whistle. The 1-0 win is a great reward for the hard work these players have put in, and it's exciting to see this group continue to grow."
Next Up
With the victory, the Knights will look to carry their momentum into the start of conference play. Warner Pacific will travel to Caldwell, Idaho, to face The College of Idaho on September 18 at Simplot Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
