Garcia’s Second-Half Goal Lifts ACU Past Soka
Glendale, Ariz. – Arizona Christian earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Soka in a GSAC conference matchup, with Jose Garcia delivering the decisive goal in the second half.
MATCH INFO
Score: Soka – 0, Arizona Christian – 1
Records: Soka – 5-6-2, GSAC 4-5-2 | Arizona Christian – 7-5-2, GSAC 6-3
Location: ACU Soccer Field, Glendale, AZ
STAT TRACKER
Jose Garcia – 1 goal, 1 assist, 5 shots, 3 shots on goal
Raul Aranda – 2 shots
Caleb Anderson – 1 goal, 4 shots, 3 shots on goal
Nathan Tchiakpe – 2 shots
Emiliano Vega – 0 goals allowed, 2 saves
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the Firestorm continued to apply pressure offensively and broke through in the 63rd minute. Garcia found the back of the net at 62:02, scoring his ninth goal of the season to give ACU the lead.
- The Firestorm maintained their advantage for the remainder of the contest, limiting Soka’s opportunities and securing the shutout victory on their home field.
- ACU finished with a 14-12 advantage in shots and generated seven corner kicks compared to Soka’s six. The Firestorm increased their offensive pressure in the second half, recording nine shots after the break while holding Soka to six.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano Vega played all 90 minutes for ACU, recording two saves to help preserve the clean sheet. The Firestorm defense also held Soka to just two shots on goal throughout the match.
- ACU defeated Soka, 1-0.
THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI
“This game had the feeling of a playoff game. The first half was very tactical and tight and it was going to take a special moment to break through and capitalize. Our guys adjusted in the second half and were able to create some opportunities. Now it’s time to turn the page quickly and prepare for another battle inside 36 hours.”
NEXT UP
On Saturday, the Firestorm will host Hope International on the ACU Soccer Field at 11:30am.
