Warriors Upset Holy Names in Season Finale

Nov. 10, 2009 

Roseville, Calif. - The William Jessup University men's soccer team knew the odds were stacked against them in their season finale against Holy Names University. The Hawks had already clinched the conference championship and came in riding a 44-game California Pacific Conference winning streak. On a special day to honor the seniors, the Warriors shocked the Hawks with a 2-1 upset.

After the seniors were honored in their final game, each team came out slow in the first few minutes of the game. However, the Warriors sensed an opportunity. After coming close on some early attacks, the Warriors found themselves on top with the opening goal in the 9th minute of the game. Senior Alex Barclay connected with fellow senior Curtis Griffin with a great touch pass and Griffin punched in past the Hawks keeper to take an early lead. Holy Names tried to pick up the pace, but Warriors defense was stingy. In the 41st minute, senior Luke Hammond found sophomore Patrick Barclay to score the second goal of the game. The Warriors held a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half was quiet as both defenses dominated early. The big momentum changer came in the middle of the second half. After a hand ball inside the box, the Hawks got a free kick at the goal. It was the Defensive Player of the Week keeper Jeff Dunn for the Warriors against the number one scorer in the country Mustafa Celik from the Hawks. Celik tried to find the right corner of the goal, but Dunn made an unbelievable diving stop to deny the goal. Dunn continued his stellar play, until the 78th minute when Jesus Fernandez was able to find an opening on the right side of the goal for the score. The intensity increased in the final 10 minutes. The Hawks put the pressure on, but the Warriors defense held tough to secure the victory.

"What a game," said head coach Micah Howser. "The seniors lead us today and what a special way for them to end their career. We knew we had to play a great game against a great team and we did that today. I am proud of how this team stuck together and finished out the season strong. We will look to build on this for the future."

The Warriors finished the season at 8-8-1 overall and 7-4-1 in conference play.