MESA, Ariz. — The Park University Gilbert men's soccer team dropped a close 2-1 decision to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Thursday night at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
The Buccaneers fell behind in the 20th minute when Kevin Yamna opened the scoring for Embry-Riddle, but Park-Gilbert answered just before halftime. In the 43rd minute,
Olli Saksinen found the back of the net off an assist from
Anton Aaltonen, sending the teams into the break tied 1-1.
Embry-Riddle regained the lead in the 55th minute when Rojvan Karaer scored off an assist from Francesco Busini. Park-Gilbert continued to push for an equalizer, but the Buccaneers were unable to find a second goal in the second half.
Park-Gilbert finished with 13 shots, including four on target, while Embry-Riddle recorded 15 shots and four shots on goal. The Buccaneers held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks and earned several opportunities late in the match, including shots from Saksinen and
Caden Dosmann in the closing minutes.
Saksinen and Donovan led the Buccaneers offense, with Saksinen recording four shots on goal, while Donovan recorded five shots. Goalkeeper
Nicklas Lagesen made two saves in the match.
The loss moves Park-Gilbert to 7-5 overall and 4-3 in GSAC play. The Buccaneers now turn their attention to another conference matchup on Saturday, where they will face OUAZ at 7:30 p.m. The match is a Buccaneers home contest and will be played at Reach 11 Soccer Complex in Phoenix
