PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Park University Gilbert's women's soccer team came up just short in its regular-season finale Thursday, falling 2-1 to No. 7 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The Buccaneers battled back to level the match in the second half, but a late Eagles goal proved decisive.
Embry-Riddle took the lead in the 16th minute when Samantha Wright found the back of the net off an assist from Gracelynn Martinson. The Eagles carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime after controlling much of the first half.
Park-Gilbert responded after the break. In the 53rd minute,
Mikenzie Kulish scored her sixth goal of the season, finishing a pass from
Darienne Thompson to bring the Buccaneers level at 1-1.
The match remained tied until the 78th minute, when Jamie Brandon scored for Embry-Riddle off an assist from Ella Carnahan to restore the Eagles' lead. Park-Gilbert pushed for another equalizer in the closing minutes, but could not find the net again.
Goalkeeper
Journey Morimoto recorded four saves for the Buccaneers. Embry-Riddle finished with a 28-6 advantage in shots and a 12-2 edge in corner kicks, while Park-Gilbert put three of its six shots on target.
The result leaves the Buccaneers at 11-6-1 overall and 7-5-1 in GSAC play. Despite the loss, Park-Gilbert has secured the No. 4 seed and will host a first-round GSAC Championship match.
Park-Gilbert opens the GSAC Championship on Tuesday, Nov. 3, hosting fifth-seeded OUAZ at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MST.
