MESA, Ariz. — Park University Gilbert earned an important 2-1 GSAC victory over Hope International on Thursday night at Arizona Athletic Grounds, securing the program's first-ever win over the Royals. The Buccaneers improved to 9-5 overall and 6-3 in GSAC play while winning their second straight match.
Park-Gilbert wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Caden Dosmann opened the scoring just 2:13 into the match, finishing a chance off an assist from Brody Donovan for his fifth goal of the season. The Buccaneers doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when Arwed von Oertzen converted a penalty kick for his first goal of the year, sending Park into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Hope International pulled one back early in the second half, with Christopher Ferrufino scoring in the 53rd minute to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Royals continued to pressure the Buccaneers and were awarded a penalty kick in the 63rd minute, but Nicklas Lagesen came up with a crucial save to preserve Park-Gilbert's lead.
Lagesen finished with three saves, including the penalty-kick stop, as the Buccaneers held on for the victory. Hope International finished with a 12-7 advantage in shots and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks, but Park-Gilbert made its opportunities count.
Dosmann led the Buccaneers with a goal, while von Oertzen added a goal from the penalty spot. Donovan recorded the team's lone assist. The win also marked Park-Gilbert's first victory in five all-time meetings with Hope International, moving the Buccaneers to 1-3-1 in the series.
With the win, Park-Gilbert remains firmly in the GSAC race at 6-3 and will look to carry the momentum to Saturday, Oct. 17, when the Buccaneers return to Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa at 7:30 p.m. to host Life Pacific in another GSAC matchup.
