PUC Pioneers Open 2025 With Defeat In Riverside

Story by: Kenneth Perez 

New season. First pre-season test on the road at La Sierra. The Pioneers brought energy from kickoff to the final whistle, stacking effort plays and creating late danger in a match that turned on a couple key moments. One more home tune up is on deck before conference play.

Season opener La Sierra 3 to 0 PUC Aug 24 Riverside
Tense first half with very little between the teams until the 43rd minute when La Sierra found the opener. After halftime the match flipped on a moment we want back. PUC had a strong penalty shout waved away and seconds later the hosts made it 2 to 0 in the 56th minute. They added a third in the 86th.

We still made noise. Marcus Hays #22 produced the best late look, using a couple sharp moves to create space and smashing a shot on frame in the 87th before sending another chance just over. Freshman Jake Boyd #2 started in midfield and was a killer in the 50 50s all night, winning duels and setting the tone. He also slipped a clean through ball late that sent Hays in for that chance. Freshman Esteban Piedra #23 started at left back and handled his channel with poise. In the middle, Anthony Arochi #3 covered extra ground in the number 6 role, broke up play, and kept us ticking in transition. On the right, Franklin Antwi #7 worked as a RW RM and looked sharp, winning balls back and pressing down the wing to keep their back line under pressure and start quick counters.

By the numbers:
Shots La Sierra 12 to PUC 5
Shots on goal La Sierra 5 to PUC 1
Corners La Sierra 4 to PUC 3
Saves PUC 2 La Sierra 1
Scoring 43rd minute Quintanar Maci from Goncalves 56th minute Leon from Mauricio 86th minute Quintanar Maci from Palena

Notes
PUC traveled shorthanded with about six regulars out, including captains Adrian Denoncourt #10 and Edwin Zabala #6, last season's CAL PAC Newcomer of the Year Emiliano Ascencio #9, and returning sophomore Isaiah Flores #21, plus two incoming transfers who will add depth and starting quality when available.

What we learned
• Midfield bite. Boyd #2 won a stack of 50 50s and sparked our best late look with that through ball to Hays #22.
• Six stays solid. Arochi #3 owned the holding role, broke up plays, and connected passes forward.
• Left side settled. Piedra #23 looked steady at left back with smart positioning.
• Right wing work rate. Antwi #7 won balls back and set the press down the right, forcing rushed touches and turnovers.
• Shorthanded but competitive. Even without key starters the group stayed in the game and created late chances.
• The attack will settle. Veterans coming back will steady the ship up front. The freshmen held their own, and with that added experience and a goal scoring mentality in the group, the players are going to figure it out.

What's Next?

 Pre season resumes Wednesday September 17 at 1 pm at home vs Lincoln. Conference play kicks off Sunday September 21 at Simpson University in Redding.