One Goal Separates Firestorm in Ashland, OR
Ashland, Ore. – Arizona Christian battled through a physical road contest Friday afternoon but came up just short in a 1-0 loss to Southern Oregon at Raider Stadium in Ashland, Oregon.
MATCH INFO
Score: Southern Oregon – 1 , Arizona Christian – 0
Records: Oregon Tech – 3-0-1 | Arizona Christian – 1-2-2
Location: Raider Stadium, Ashland, OR
STAT TRACKER
Raul Aranda – 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
Isaac Blanco – 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
Willy Cortez – 1 shot
Emiliano Vega – 1 goal allowed, 5 saves
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- After a scoreless opening half, the Raiders broke the deadlock early in the second period when SOU’s Cruz Cuevas-George converted a free kick from 23 yards out in the 51st minute.
- The Firestorm continued to push for an equalizer, earning six second-half corner kicks and creating several opportunities in the attacking third, but were unable to find the back of the net.
- Raul Aranda led the Firestorm offense with three shots, including two on target, while Isaac Blanco added ACU’s other shot on goal.
- Southern Oregon goalkeeper Daniel Espinosa made three saves to preserve the shutout.
- Defensively, goalkeeper Emiliano Vega turned in another strong performance, recording five saves while helping keep the Firestorm within striking distance throughout the match.
- ACU’s back line also limited Southern Oregon to just one goal despite facing 16 shots and 10 corner kicks.
- ACU lost the match, 0-1.
THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI
“We took some time to get into the game today, but I thought we played one of our best second halves of the year. A set piece goal for them was a difference maker. We had a great push in the second and generated momentum by keeping the game in SOU’s half, but couldn’t find that final moment of quality. We need a chance or two to find the back of the net to help us get some momentum. We have a lot of quality in our team and I know once we find the net once or twice our scoring will take off. It’s up to us as coaches and a collective group to improve in the final third as we head into GSAC play.”
NEXT UP
On Thursday, the Firestorm will open up conference play and host Park University Gilbert at 8pm on the ACU Soccer Field.
