Aranda’s Second Half Goal Helps ACU Secure Draw
Glendale, Ariz. – Arizona Christian rallied in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw against Hope International University on Saturday morning at ACU Soccer Field. The Firestorm showed resilience after falling behind in the first half, finding an equalizer early in the second half to secure a point against the Royals.
MATCH INFO
Score: Hope International – 1, Arizona Christian – 1
Records: Hope International – 5-4-5, GSAC 2-3-5 | Arizona Christian – 7-5-3, GSAC 6-3-1
Location: ACU Soccer Field, Glendale, AZ
STAT TRACKER
Raul Aranda – 1 goal, 2 shots, 1 shot on goal
Andres Topete – 1 assist
Josh Flanagan – 3 shots
Sammy Kopalyan – 2 shots, 2 shots on goal
Nathan Tchiakpe – 2 shots
Jose Garcia – 2 shots on goal
Emiliano Vega – 1 goal allowed, 3 saves
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Hope International struck first in the 23rd minute when Rigo Morales found the back of the net off assists from Rafa Gonzalez and Erick Cabrera, giving the Royals a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
- ACU responded quickly after the break. In the 50th minute, Raul Aranda scored his second goal of the season, finishing a pass from Andres Topete to even the score at 1-1. The equalizer energized the Firestorm as they looked to take control of the match.
- ACU increased its attacking pressure in the second half, recording 10 shots after halftime compared to just three in the opening period.
- The Firestorm finished with 13 total shots, putting five on target, while goalkeeper Emiliano Vega recorded three saves to help keep the match level.
- Both teams battled through the final minutes, but neither side could find a go-ahead goal, and the contest ended in a 1-1 draw.
- ACU tied with Hope International, 1-1.
THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI
“I was disappointed that we left it until the second half to have the level of sharpness that we are capable of. It was positive to see a good response in the second half but it is a hard lesson to learn at this point in the season. I know our guys will respond well going into next week and be ready to go on Monday.”
NEXT UP
On Thursday, the Firestorm will head across town to Surprise, AZ to play against OUAZ at 7:30pm.
