Firestorm Rally Past Bucs In Conference Opener
Glendale, Ariz. – Arizona Christian secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Park-Gilbert on Thursday night at the ACU Soccer Field, using two second-half goals to claim the win in a physical game to open up GSAC play.
MATCH INFO
Score: Park Gilbert – 1 , Arizona Christian – 2
Records: Park Gilbert – 3-3-0, GSAC 0-1-0 | Arizona Christian – 2-2-2, GSAC 1-0-0
Location: ACU Soccer Field, Glendale, AZ
STAT TRACKER
Elijah Meade – 1 goal, 2 shots, 2 shots on goal
Caleb Anderson – 1 goal, 1 shot, 1 shot on goal
Jose Garcia – 2 assists, 2 shots, 1 shot on goal
Raul Aranda – 1 assist, 2 shots, 1 shot on goal
Nathan Tchiakpe – 1 assist, 1 shot
Willy Cortez – 1 shot
Emiliano Vega – 1 goal allowed, 7 saves
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Firestorm and Buccaneers entered halftime scoreless, with both teams battling through a tightly contested opening 45 minutes.
- The score was 0-0 heading into halftime.
- ACU broke through in the 53rd minute, when Elijah Meade found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Meade’s finish was assisted by both Raul Aranda and Jose Garcia, giving the Firestorm a 1-0 advantage.
- Park-Gilbert responded in the 69th minute, with Anton Aaltonen scoring to level the match at 1-1.
- ACU quickly regained their momentum, however, as Caleb Anderson delivered the tie-breaking goal in the 74th minute. Anderson’s second goal of the season was assisted by both Jose Garcia and Nathan Tchiakpe, putting the Firestorm back on top.
- The ACU defense held firm over the final minutes to preserve the victory.
- Vega finished the night with seven saves, while ACU’s defensive effort limited Park-Gilbert to one goal despite the Buccaneers recording more shots.
- ACU won the game, 2-1.
THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI
“Our guys showed great character as a team tonight to stay in a difficult game. I was so proud of the attitude and effort our entire group put in to the match tonight and happy to see them rewarded. Our guys scored two incredible team goals and showed their quality when it mattered. Congratulations to Emiliano Vega for becoming our all time wins leader in goalkeeper wins tonight and for a massive goal and some freshman magic by Caleb Anderson. We have another big one on Saturday and need to be ready for another challenge.”
NEXT UP
On Saturday, the Firestorm will have their second conference game and host OUAZ at 8pm on the ACU Soccer Field.
