CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Warriors men's soccer team began its regular season against Clearwater Christian College (Cougars) 4-0 on Saturday, August 23^rd. The Warriors got off to a shaky start by almost going a goal down in the first 10 minutes when  Cougars #7 Calvan Lowe struck the ball 10 yards from the goal, but was quickly denied by Brandon Stout who tipped the ball high into the cross bar. This would be the first of 10 saves for the Warriors Goalkeeper. The Warriors began to settle and played great soccer, with some great combination plays on the flanks that eventually led to a goal. Callum Donnelly found Robert Cignarelli down the left flank, the left forward lightening pace blew past the Cougars right back to cross a great ball to the back post for Tim Stanford to put the Warriors on the score board in the first 16 minutes. The Warriors were much more comfortable, with the defense connecting well with the midfield, this was to be proven in the 32^nd minute when Niall Docherty played a beautiful long diagonal ball to left back Leonard Cid who made a first touch shot to the right side of the goal. Only 8 minutes later the Warriors would find the back of the net but this time by the penalty spot. Freshman Tyler Yergens made alone run into the box which brought down by the Cougars center back. Senior Captain stepped up to the penalty spot to shoot the ball in the back of the net to put the Warriors up 3-0 at half time.
 
In the second half Coach Cockburn did nothing in regards to tatics, but made a lot of changes in regards to substitutions, this paid off when Jose Netto found the back of the net in the 70^th minute for his first goal of the season. The Warriors pushed for a fifth goal and it almost came in the 82^nd minute when  Callum Donnelly found Jack Austin who headed the ball towards goal but was denied by the cross bar. Even though the Warriors had a comfortable lead the Cougars fought on and were denied by the crossbar in the 85^th minute. The Warriors goalkeeper and defense kept the Cougars off the scoreboard.
 
"I was very happy with the boys performance, considering we should still be in pre-season, and we still have a lot to work on. However they stepped up and played well against a very fast and aggressive Cougar team. We have to keep the momentum going, and prepare to compete Warner next Friday."