CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Warner Pacific University men’s soccer team was named the Under Armour Team of the Week for November 17 – 23, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Sunday.
Warner Pacific had a historic opening week at the NAIA Opening Rounds, defeating both the reigning national champion and the No. 3-ranked team in the nation on their home field in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Knights opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over defending NAIA champion Dalton State (Ga.), securing one of the biggest wins in program history. Chris Marcial-Cruz put WPU in front in the 30th minute with his first goal of the season. Bodo Calderon doubled the lead in the 69th minute, converting his eighth penalty of the year and extending his team-leading goal total to 15.
Goalkeeper Owen Purvis anchored a standout defensive performance with four saves, while the Knights’ back line repeatedly denied Dalton State’s attacks before shots could reach the frame.
Warner Pacific followed with another stunning result, knocking off No. 3- Keiser University, 2-1, to hand the Seahawks their first loss of the season. After a scoreless first half, Bryan Carmona broke through in the 51st minute. Keiser equalized ten minutes later, but the Knights responded with the biggest moment of the match in the 75th minute when Calderon buried a penalty kick, his 10th make from the spot this season, to put WPU ahead for good.
The closing minutes were chaotic, with Keiser firing six shots in the final stretch, including one off the post, but the Knights held firm to secure the upset despite being outshot 27-7 and 10-2 in shots on goal.
With back-to-back significant national victories, Warner Pacific advanced to the NAIA Final Site for the first time in program history. The Knights will face No. 7 LSU Shreveport at the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, Ala., on December 1.