MESA, Ariz. —
Kiara Rubio scored with just two seconds remaining as Park University Gilbert stunned Hope International with a 2-1 victory Thursday evening at Arizona Athletic Grounds, earning a dramatic GSAC win in the final moments of the match.
Hope International struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the second minute when Clarissa Viera scored off an assist from Sukanya Sukpham. The Royals continued to create chances throughout the opening half, but
Journey Morimoto kept the Buccaneers within striking distance with several important saves. The Buccaneers came out with more pressure after the break and found the equalizer in the 57th minute.
Mikenzie Kulish finished a chance from
Darienne Thompson to make it 1-1 and give Park-Gilbert new momentum.
From there, both teams continued to battle for the deciding goal. Hope International created several dangerous chances late in the match, but Morimoto repeatedly came up with big saves to keep the game level. She finished the night with nine saves.
Then, with the match appearing headed for a draw, Park-Gilbert found its breakthrough. With only two seconds remaining,
Kiara Rubio scored in the 90th minute from an assist again from
Darienne Thompson to give the Buccaneers a 2-1 lead and complete the comeback.
Offensively,
Darienne Thompson was a key contributor for the Buccaneers, recording a team-high two assists in the victory. Park-Gilbert finished with eight shots, three shots on goal and five corner kicks, while Hope International recorded 18 shots and 10 shots on goal. The victory also marked Park-Gilbert's first-ever win over Hope International.
The victory improves Park-Gilbert to 9-4-1 overall and 5-3-1 in GSAC play. The win also made for an especially memorable night for head coach
Kali Harmon, who celebrated her birthday with the dramatic victory. Harmon is in her fifth season leading the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers remain at Arizona Athletic Grounds on Saturday, Oct. 17, when they host Life Pacific in another GSAC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
