No. 21 Corban Men’s Soccer Opens Season with Gritty Win over Spring Arbor, 3-0

8/23/2018 11:25:36 PM

Jarett Thoren, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

SALEM, Ore. – The No. 21-ranked Corban University men’s soccer team spent the majority of Thursday night’s season opener against (RV) Spring Arbor University playing down a man. Despite the Warriors losing their starting goalkeeper late in the first half, the undermanned Navy and Gold rode strong performances from a number of newcomers to claim a gritty 3-0 triumph over the Cougars.

Click the ‘Play Button’ above to watch highlights from tonight’s season-opening victory.

“This was a significant result for our team and for the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC),” said head coach Aaron Lewis. “The commitment to defend and ability to convert our chances made the difference tonight.”

Spring Arbor set the tone early, dominating possession and crafting numerous scoring opportunities during the first half. The Cougars would remain aggressive throughout the contest, out-shooting the Warriors 24-9 on the evening. Unable to capitalize on early chances, the Cougars caught a fortunate break after a red card for Corban goalkeeper Jordan Salim in the 43^rd minute seemed a crippling blow for the Navy and Gold.

Warrior rookie Marcos Ochoa proved himself a more than able replacement, stepping up to deliver an outstanding performance in his first-official collegiate contest. The freshman from Salem made his presence felt between the pipes, racking up four saves while quelling the consistent Cougar onslaught.

On the offensive end, Armando Lopez got things going for the Warriors in the 32^nd minute, finishing a pinpoint cross off the foot of Alex Segovia that was setup by a beautiful through ball from Igor Hubenya. Kohl Hurtado, another Warrior making his collegiate debut, expanded Corban’s lead to 2-0 after executing a penalty kick just a few minutes into the second half.

Segovia added some valuable insurance in the 84^th minute, capitalizing on a Spring Arbor miscue to register his first goal of 2018.

The gutsy victory included standout opening acts from a number of Corban newcomers, alongside familiar resolve from the Warrior returning core.  

The Warriors will return to action on Saturday, when they take on Linfield at 7 p.m. at the CFC Soccer Complex.