MESA, Ariz. – The Park University Gilbert men's soccer team made program history Saturday night, earning a dominant 4–1 victory over No. 20 Benedictine University Mesa. The result marked the first win over a ranked opponent in Park-Gilbert men's soccer history.
The Buccaneers wasted no time getting started.
Brody Donovan opened the scoring just 8 minutes and 40 seconds into the match, assisted by
Linus Vilhelmsson. In the 13th minute,
Olli Saksinen doubled the lead after an assist from Donovan.
Benedictine responded in the 25th minute through Kobe Bewicke, cutting the lead to 2–1. Park-Gilbert answered before halftime, as Saksinen scored his second goal of the night in the 36th minute to send the Bucs into the break with a 3–1 advantage.
Park-Gilbert stayed in control throughout the second half. In the 83rd minute, Donovan capped off an outstanding performance with his second goal of the game, assisted by
Truston Hosch, securing the historic 4–1 victory. The Buccaneers finished with 21 shots, 11 on target, while Benedictine recorded 18 shots with nine on goal. Goalkeeper
Nicklas Lagesen made eight saves to help protect the lead. With the victory, Park-Gilbert improved to 7–4 overall and 4–2 in GSAC play.
The Bucs now turn their attention to another major challenge as they host Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Thursday, October 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
