Raiders Open Season with Convincing Victory
Southern Oregon’s men’s soccer squad kicked off the new campaign in style, dispatching Simpson (Calif.) 4‑1 on Saturday night. The win marks the first season‑opening triumph for the Raiders since 2019, setting an upbeat tone for the roster.
Junior transfer JP Warnell stole the spotlight with a hat trick in his debut appearance. The 12th‑minute opener saw him tap a one‑touch pass from Esmatullah Yawari into the net, and he doubled the lead in the 20th minute by intercepting a pass meant for keeper Jesus Montoya and striking with his left foot.
Warnell’s Hat Trick Defines the Night
Warnell completed his trio in the second half, the third goal arriving after a precise Davis Cameron through ball sliced through Simpson’s defense. Earlier, David Clavijo had halved the margin with a 60th‑minute strike, and Jonathan Gaspar added a late insurance goal in the 82nd minute, set up by Nick Lozano’s cross.
The Raiders outshot their opponents 17 to 5, with nine of those attempts on target, while Simpson managed five shots on goal. Goalkeeper Daniel Espinosa made four saves to preserve the lead, ensuring Simpson’s lone effort remained at one.
The performance highlighted both offensive firepower and defensive stability. The team’s early chemistry, bolstered by the arrival of Cal Poly Humboldt alumnus Warnell, suggests a promising outlook as the season unfolds.