Late goals and strong goalkeeping in early conference play
By: Ezri Thompson
Pacific University’s men’s soccer team opened conference play with a demanding four-match stretch that highlights the group’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure. The run began on September 11, when the Boxers secured a 3 – 2 victory over Lewis & Clark. After conceding two goals in the first half, Pacific shifted momentum immediately after the break. Senior captain Nico Lomanto scored in the 48th minute to cut the deficit, and sophomore Trenton Zimmermann followed five minutes later with the equalizer off Lomanto’s assist. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Lomanto converted a penalty kick to complete the turnaround. Goalkeeper Kobi Miyamoto anchored the second-half efforts with five saves, while Pacific finished with a 21 – 11 advantage in shots.
Pacific returned to action on September 13 and earned a 2 – 2 tie against Willamette University. Lomanto opened the scoring in the 16th minute, assisted by sophomore forward Afsheen Alijani, before Willamette responded with two goals to take the lead. The Boxers forced late results once again, equalizing in the 89th minute when Zimmermann finished a long ball from Miyamoto. Pacific held a 9 – 6 edge in total shots and earned three corner kicks in a match defined by steady offense.
The Boxers faced a setback on September 19, falling 0 – 1 to Pacific Lutheran University in a tightly contested match. However, the team responded the next day with a strong performance in a 2 – 2 tie against Puget Sound. Sophomore forward Carter Zeiset found the back of the net in the 39th minute to put Pacific ahead with a chilling one v one matchup with Puget Sounds keeper, and Lomanto added another penalty-kick goal to extend his scoring streak. Miyamoto recorded three saves, while forward Cole Affolter generated three of Pacific’s seven shots on goal, helping the Boxers maintain control for long stretches.
Across the four-match span, Pacific University’s men’s soccer team demonstrated toughness, composure, and consistent late-game execution. With a comeback win and two draws, the Boxers established a competitive early-season identity and positioned themselves as a resilient force within conference play.
Pacific Women’s Soccer: Pacific University’s women’s soccer team opened conference play with a competitive four-match stretch that showcased early momentum, strong defensive efforts, and determined play against tough opponents. The Boxers began their run on September 11 with a 2 – 0 victory over Lewis & Clark. Pacific struck early when senior forward Rissalyn Hara converted a penalty kick in the 10th minute, giving the team immediate control. The match remained tight until the closing minutes, when sophomore midfielder Marissa Agraz extended the lead in the 88th minute off an assist from freshman Tasanee Kinnett. Goalkeepers Jaelynn Moo and Madeline Gomez split the match and secured the shutout for the win. Pacific finished with 10 shots, five on goal, and a 2 – 1 advantage in corner kicks.
Pacific continued its strong start on September 13 with a 1 – 0 win over WIllamette University. The Boxers scored just 20 seconds into the match when Hara broke through the defense for the fastest goal of the season being 20 seconds into the game. She remained the centerpiece of Pacific’s attack, attempting 6 shots and placing five on goal. Pacific relied on two-goalkeeper rotation, with Jaelynn Moo recording two first-half saves before Gomez entered to add one more and preserve the shutout. The victory pushed Pacific to a 4 – 1 overall record and a 2 – 0 start in Northwest Conference play, marking the program’s best conference opening since 2016.
The Boxers faced a challenging weekend beginning on September 19 with a 0 – 2 loss to Pacific Lutheran University. Despite the results, Pacific’s goalkeeper remained active, with Moo and Gomez combining for seven saves. The boxers attempted three shots, all of which were placed on goal, but were unable to break through the opponents defense. Pacific returned to the field on September 20th against Puget Sound, falling 0 – 3 in another defensively demanding match. The Boxers recorded four saves and produced two shot attempts but were unable to fully make it there.
Across the four-match span, Pacific University’s women’s soccer team demonstrated early promise, defensive grit, and competitive energy as they navigated the opening stretch of conference play.
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