Tukwila, WA - The preseason ranked #6 Trojans capped off opening week with a trio of statement wins against NWAC opponents, outscoring the opposition by a combined total of 20 goals to just one surrendered. Last Friday the Trojans traveled down to Centralia, where it's men's soccer program in its inaugural season would host its first soccer match on the newly opened multi sport athletic complex. The Trojans got to work quickly, scoring within the first four minutes, Emmanuel Nyaga getting his first goal of his sophomore campaign. Less than 10 minutes later, newcomer Cristiano Whitaker would score his first of four goals that game, getting the assist from local freshman out of Monroe, Reid Schaeffer who went on to have a monsterous game as well with two assists and a goal right before halftime. With just moments left in the game and the Trojans leading 6-0, Centralia did find a goal off of a set piece.
On the first day of the NWAC Friendlies at Starfire Stadium, the Trojans drew south region opponent Portland CC, a program that has been traditionally very strong in the league. Once again Emmanuel Nyaga struck quickly, getting the Trojans on the board in the first five minutes of action and securing his 7th career goal as a Trojan. Fifteen minutes later, EvCC put the game out of reach, scoring five goals in a span of 22 minutes. Aldo Calles scored his first goal of his college career, as did freshman Noah Harrison-Russell. Reid Shaeffer caught fire, scoring goals in the 31st and 32nd minute to bring his season total up to three, and also added his third assist of the season on Harrison-Russell's goal in the 24th minute. Just before the half, freshaman Westin Galle out of Sultan, WA scored his first collegiate goal getting the assist from fellow freshman Tyler Nyquist. Up 6-0 going into the second half, EvCC never let off the gas, and Cristiano Whitaker continued his goal scoring streak, adding an unassisted goal (5th of the season) in the 56th minute. Portland only managed 6 shots all game, and forced just one save opportunity for sophomore keeper Avary Olson who recorded his fifth career shutout.
The Trojans met up with an improved Pierce program on day two of the Friendlies, and for a moment it looked like the Raiders would be able to hang with the 6th ranked NWAC team. Reid Shaeffer scored the lone goal in the first half in the 18th minute and was assisted by Noah Harrison-Russell. After what must have been an inspiring halftime pep talk by head coach Kieren Raney, the Trojans came out with reckless abandon. Nyaga's quick punch was seen again as he scored within the first three minutes of the 2nd half, getting the assist from Giovanni Castillo and Cristiano Whitaker. Reid Shaeffer then got his second goal of the match (5th of the season) and was assisted again by Harrison-Russell (who now has five on the season). Leading 3-0 in the 67th minute, sophomore Tatsuya Cosey scored his third career goal unassisted and was followed by two more consecutive goals, each within three minutes of each other to put EvCC up 6-0. Rafael Garnica scored his first career goal, assisted by Luis Carillo, and Jonathan Sanchez scored his first career goal as well, assisted by Westin Galle. Galle's assist must have got him into the action, because seven minutes later he found the back of the net to put the punctuation mark on the match by a final score of 7-0.
The Trojans will return home next Thursday to play their first home match of the season against South Puget Sound CC. The Clippers defeated Treasure Valley 5-0 on day one of the friendlies and will need to stop a pair of attackers in Alonzo Ogaldez and Luke Degon if they expect to defend home turf. Kick off is set for 12pm on August 31st.