MESA, Ariz. — Park University Gilbert's men's soccer team advanced to the GSAC Championship semifinals Monday night after defeating Soka University of America in a dramatic penalty shootout following a scoreless 110 minutes at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
In the first penalty shootout in program history, goalkeeper
Nicklas Lagesen delivered a memorable performance, saving three Soka penalty attempts to help secure the 5-4 shootout victory. The Buccaneers kept their composure from the spot, with
Olli Saksinen,
Arwed von Oertzen,
Ilan Rodriguez-Roda,
Caden Dosmann and
Robin Dahlberg converting their attempts.
The match remained scoreless through regulation and both overtime periods. Park Gilbert controlled much of the play, finishing with 23 shots, including eight on goal, compared to Soka's nine shots and one on target. The Buccaneers also held a 10-5 advantage in corner kicks.
Lagesen played all 110 minutes and recorded one save during the match before stepping up in the shootout. His performance proved decisive as Park Gilbert secured its place in the next round.
Park Gilbert advances to the GSAC Championship semifinals, where the No. 3-seeded Buccaneers will face No. 2-seeded The Master's University on Thursday, November 5, at 2 p.m. Pacific Time at Reese Field in Santa Clarita, California.
