MOBILE, Ala.| The Knights scored three goals in the first half to secure the 3-1 win over Milligan University in the first round of the NAIA Tournament on Thursday.
After clinching an NAIA Tournament bid by winning the Cascade Collegiate Conference, the no. 21-ranked Warner Pacific Knights set off to Mobile, Alabama for the first round of the NAIA Tournament. In the opening round matchup on Thursday, the Knights took on the Milligan University Buffaloes of Elizabethton, Tennessee.
All of the scoring for Warner Pacific came in the opening half. The Knights were efficient in their scoring, finding the back of the net on each of their first three shots to open the game.
Alain Murhula played a big part in Warner's offense, scoring the opening goal for the Knights and assisting on the follow up goal from Andrew Martinez.
Murhula wasted little time getting the Knights on the board, scoring in just the eighth minute of play off of an assist from Brendon Leach.
Following up on Murhula's goal was the NAIA's leading scorer, Andrew Martinez, who extended the Knights' lead to 2-1 in the 23
rd minute with the help of an assist from Alain Murhula. The goal from Martinez marks his 31
st of the year.
Milligan remained on the attack throughout the first half, and their persistence paid off when they scored in the 40
th minute to cut the lead to 2-1.
The Knights responded very quickly, as less than two minutes after Milligan's goal, Erik Mattice gave the Knights an insurance goal off of a penalty kick.
Mattice has been huge when it comes to penalty kicks this season. Often coming in clutch moments, Erik has now scored on five of his six penalty kick attempts.
Thanks to the insurance goal from Mattice, Warner went into halftime with a 3-1 lead.
Despite attempting 13 shots, Milligan was held to just three shots on goal for the whole game. Warner's defense held strong in the second half and the Knights were able to secure the 3-1 win to advance to the second round of the NAIA Tournament.
"I'm so proud of our team" said head coach
Troy Ready. "That's a big result for our program but we definitely have our sights on finishing the job we've come to accomplish."
Even though the NAIA tournament presents the highest stakes and toughest competition the Knights have seen all year, the Knights aren't looking to make drastic changes in their preparation going forward.
"Tomorrow is important to get some rest and begin preparation for Saturday. We take the same approach as previous games but are constantly seeking to be just a bit better, sharper, and more disciplined with each match" said Ready.
With the win, the Knights advance to the second round of the NAIA Tournament where they will take on University of Mobile. The matchup will take place in Mobile on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1:00 p.m.