OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Emmanuel Nicasio (Sr., M) gave The Evergreen State College an early lead with a goal just 2:19 into the game, and the Geoducks went on to defeat Corban University 3-1 at Geoduck Pitch on Friday, Oct. 11. The Geoducks led 2-0 at halftime.

The win bought Evergreen to 2-7-0 on the season, 2-4-0 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference men's soccer standings. The Warriors dropped to 4-6-1 overall, 3-2-1 in the CCC.

"I'm happy for all the guys today. Starting off with a quick goal on a fantastic free kick really set the tone for the match!," Evergreen Head Men's Soccer Coach Steve Schmidt said. "We are at the point of the season where points are at a premium and picking up this win helps build confidence as we look to establish a rhythm moving into tomorrow."

Nicasio scored the opening goal with a 21-yard free kick from the right side into the lower right portion of the goal. The Geoducks extended their lead when Kolby Juarez (So., M) hit the net from 10 yards following a shot by Nicasio. The initial shot was blocked by a defender, and the ball went straight to Juarez. Nicasio picked up an assist on the play.

The Geoducks almost scored at 68:10. A shot by Alejandro Gallegos (Jr., D) was tipped over the crossbar by Corban goalkeeper Isaac Pureco.

Evergreen increased its lead to 3-0 on a goal by Juan Mendez (Jr., M) at 78:04 with an assist from Alejandro Gallegos (Jr., D). The play began with a shot from the left side by Gallegos that hit the crossbar. The ball rebounded to Mendez, who shot past Pureco. 

The Warriors cut the margin to 3-1 less than a minute later on a shot from six yards by Alexander Guindy. The play was assisted by Santiago Castano.

Seconds before the goal by Guindy, a shot from Noah Gatchet of Corban was blocked by the Geoducks. Moments later, a foul led to a restart for the Warriors, setting up a scramble near the six-yard box.

For the game, the Geoducks held a 19-17 margin in total shots an a 9-5 advantage in shots on target. Corban attained an 8-6 lead in corner kicks. The game features 50 fouls, with 27 on Evergreen and 23 on Corban. A total of seven yellow cards were issued, including four against the Warriors.

Goalie Brendan Gribek (Sr.) registered four saves for the Geoducks. Pureco was credited with six save for Corban.

Evergreen will host Bushnell University in CCC action on Saturday, Oct. 12. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. PDT.