LAKE WALES, Fla. - The Royals earned a hard fought 3-to-3 draw in poor conditions at home against the 2025 NCCAA DII National Champions, Pensacola Christian College, on Saturday night.
After a strong thunderstorm forced kick-off to be delayed for nearly an hour and a half, the Royals and Eagles were able to take to a rain soaked Royals Soccer field at about 6:20pm for their NCCAA match-up. As the rain continued to fall Pensacola was able to find the back of the net first, scoring in the 9th minute of the game off a quick transition by the Eagles. Warner did not stay down long though as the Royals would answer back with a goal of their own in 19th minute. Graduate Student
Xavier Lozada recorded his 1st goal in a Warner uniform off a powerful shot from inside the box to pull the Royals level. Both teams would create goal scoring chances throughout the remainder of the half, but neither program was able to finish and would see the two teams knotted at 1 entering the break.
As the rain slowed during the 2nd half, Pensacola found their rhythm in their offensive third and would go on to score goals in the 47th and 58th minutes to give the Eagles a 3-to-1 lead with 30 minutes left in the game. Warner refused to go down without a fight, creating opportunities and putting pressure on Eagles defense earned them Penalty Kick due to a Pensacola handball in the box during the 69th minute.
Jackson Davenport stepped up to take the PK for the Royals and buried it past goalkeeper to cut the deficit to 1 with just over 20 minutes remaining in the match. Warner continued to ask questions of the Pensacola defense and in the 86th minute, the Royals leveled the game at 3 off the boot of
Wade Bishop. Bishop was able to connect with Davenport on a quick give-and-go in the box as Bishop took advantage of his opportunity to score his 1st collegiate goal. Warner fought to the end, but were unable to create a game winning goal and would go on to earn the hard fought 3-to-3 draw against NCCAA DII defending National Champions.
Sophomore
Aiden Fowler got his 1st start of the season in goal and recorded 3 saves while playing all 90 minutes in the rain and mud. The Royals will look to get back into the win column next week when travel to the other side of Crooked Lake to take on Webber International University for a non-conference match-up on September 3rd.
Up Next:
The Royals will take to the road for the 1st time this season to play a non-conference match against their rival Webber International University on Thursday, September 3rd at 1:00pm in Babson Park, FL.
#GodBlessGoRoyals | #TogetherAsOne
