Opening Night in Spokane
The Fordham Rams stepped onto the emerald grass of Gonzaga’s home field on a crisp August evening, marking the first time the program had faced a Pacific‑12 opponent in a season opener. The Rams and the Bulldogs traded chances, but a disciplined defensive effort kept the scoreboard untouched.
Early in the second half, Fordham earned a penalty that could have broken the deadlock. Gonzaga’s veteran keeper, however, dived to his left and parried the strike, preserving the stalemate. The relief goalkeeper, sophomore Shayon Kashi, who had come on after senior Leo Perelman left with an injury, responded with a series of sharp saves that kept the Rams in contention.
Despite the setback, the lineup remained resilient. Captain Kamran Mojabi, junior Leevi Swearengen and freshman Nico Linares all logged the full 90 minutes, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful energy that bodes well for the schedule ahead.
The match also carried a historic footnote: it was Gonzaga’s inaugural year as a member of the Pac‑12, while Fordham’s appearance represented the program’s furthest westward excursion to date. The venue, Lugar Field, had earlier served as a training site for Egypt’s national team as it prepared for the 2026 World Cup, adding an international flavor to the night.
Head coach Carlo Acquista, now in his third season, improved his opening‑game record to 3‑3‑2 with the tie. The Rams will next travel to face Santa Clara on August 23, a contest that will push the team even farther west and test the depth built during the opening clash.
What’s Next for the Rams
With the Pac‑12 debut behind them, the Rams look to translate the defensive resilience shown against Gonzaga into a stronger attacking posture. The upcoming encounter with Santa Clara will be a litmus test for a squad that has already proven it can compete on the road.