MESA, Ariz. --- The Park University Gilbert men's soccer team (1-0-0) opened the 2026 regular season with a 4-1 victory over the Nelson University Warriors (0-1-0), Thursday evening at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
After a scoreless first half, the Warriors struck first in the 53rd minute, taking a 1-0 lead. The Buccaneers responded quickly, however, as transfer forward
Olli Saksinen and transfer forward
Brody Donovan both made their Park-Gilbert debuts and helped lead the Bucs' offensive comeback.
Saksinen found the back of the net in the 72nd minute off an assist from Donovan to even the score. Just over two minutes later, Donovan put Park-Gilbert in front, scoring off an assist from Saksinen.
The Buccaneers continued to apply pressure late in the contest, as Saksinen netted his second goal of the night in the 86th minute, with Donovan once again providing the assist. Donovan then capped the scoring in the 90th minute, scoring his second goal of the night off an assist from
Kolten Sisco.
Saksinen and Donovan combined for all four of Park-Gilbert's goals and three assists in their Buccaneers debuts. Saksinen finished with two goals and one assist, while Donovan recorded two goals and two assists.
Park-Gilbert controlled the majority of the offensive play throughout the contest, outshooting Nelson 23-6, including a 12-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Buccaneers also earned three corner kicks, matching the Warriors' total.
In net for Park-Gilbert was senior goalkeeper
Nicklas Lagesen, who played all 90 minutes and recorded two saves. After Nelson's opening goal, the Buccaneers' defense held the Warriors without another goal for the remainder of the contest.
The victory also marked the first meeting between Park-Gilbert and Nelson University, with the Buccaneers taking the first matchup between the two programs.
Park-Gilbert men's soccer returns to the pitch this Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8:00 p.m. MST, when the Bucs host Stanton University at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
