SALEM, Ore. – After losing for the first time in over two years yesterday, the No. 15-ranked Corban University men's soccer team came out with determination in Monday afternoon's rematch with Warner Pacific University. The squad celebrated a Senior Day triumph over the Knights, 2-1.
"We came out very focused today to get a needed result," said head coach Tim Kagey. "We will continue to focus on getting better in preparation for another national tournament run."
With the victory, the Warriors have put themselves in a prime position to claim the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) West Division Championship. Whether or not the squad will officially earn the title will depend on how Southern Oregon University's season concludes. The Raiders (3-1 CCC) are currently in a pause related to COVID-19 protocols, and how the squad's season will be impacted is yet to be officially determined. Southern Oregon is currently the only team within the CCC West that could potentially finish with a higher winning percentage than the Navy and Gold, which is the determining factor of which team receives the grouping's regular-season title and automatic berth to nationals.
Regardless, the Warriors needed Monday's result, and the triumph came via a pair of the team's unsung heroes.
Senior Alex Anaya provided the first goal of the game for the Navy and Gold in the 38th minute, picking a perfect moment for his first career score.
In a textbook sequence, Matheus Giron played a gorgeous through ball to Noe Favila, who then dished it out to Anaya on the far side of the box. Anaya didn't miss his opportunity, providing a huge boost to the Navy and Gold's momentum with the pivotal goal.
Trying to avoid their mistake from yesterday's contest by expanding upon their lead, the Warriors got some valuable insurance from Evan Hoover just minutes into the second half. The six-foot junior finished off an excellent pass from Charles Cleyton in the 49th minute, delivering what would eventually become the game-winner with the second goal of his career.
Warner Pacific made it interesting in the 51st minute, when Nick Evans converted a penalty kick opportunity to cut the deficit to one.
Corban's defense would stand strong for the remainder of the contest, however, holding on for the crucial conference triumph.
The Warriors controlled the game in virtually every facet, maintaining possession for the majority of the contest, and out-shooting the Knights by a 17-7 margin. Between the pipes, Justin Keegan tallied one save in the win.
Corban (8-1-1, 6-1-1 CCC) was originally scheduled to take on the Raiders on April 5-6, but those contests have been canceled due to Southern Oregon's pause. The Warriors will await word on SOU's remaining schedule, with hopes of garnering an eighth-straight berth to the NAIA National Tournament.