Raiders Wrap Up Preseason, Set Sights on Conference Play

The Pierce College Raiders Men’s Soccer team will enter conference play this Friday, August 29, against Centralia with an overall record of 0-4-1 after a challenging preseason that tested their resilience and revealed early flashes of potential.

The Raiders opened their 2025 campaign with a 2-0 loss to Shoreline. Kevin Zelaya and Jack Wallace each registered a shot on goal, while goalkeepers Nathan Bidinger and Jake Jenner split time in net, each recording two saves and allowing one goal apiece.

In their second match, Pierce fell 1-0 to Whatcom after conceding an early first-half goal. Taiyo Tokuyama and Gavin Nail each recorded a shot on target, and Bidinger held down the goal for all 90 minutes, tallying five saves.

The Raiders then traveled to the NWAC Friendlies, facing Rogue College in a heated contest that featured two yellow cards and a red card for Pierce. Rogue struck first just over a minute into the match and added another at the 20-minute mark. Taiyo Tokuyama responded in the 27th minute with the Raiders’ first goal of the season, assisted by Gavin Nail. Despite the breakthrough, Rogue added two more goals (39’ and 57’) to secure a 4-1 result.

Against SW Oregon, the Raiders’ discipline was again tested, finishing the match with two red cards. Goalkeeper Jake Jenner was a standout, making seven saves, but two first-half goals from SW Oregon sealed a 2-0 defeat. Gavin Nail led the offense with two shots on goal, while Jack Wallace, Taiyo Tokuyama, and Edgar Soltero each added one.

Pierce closed out preseason play at home with a 2-2 draw against PNW Christian College from Kennewick, WA. Diego Barton starred for the Raiders, scoring both goals, including a 90th-minute equalizer. Barton’s first goal came in the 12th minute on an assist from Wallace. Bidinger and Jenner split goalkeeper duties; each recorded two saves, with Bidinger allowing both Gladiator goals.

Despite the winless preseason, the Raiders showed flashes of offensive promise and resilience, particularly in their final outing. They’ll aim to carry that momentum into West Region play, which begins Friday, August 29, at Centralia with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m.