GLENDALE, Ariz. — Park-Gilbert men's soccer opened GSAC play Thursday night, battling Arizona Christian University in an intense conference matchup at ACU Soccer Field. MST against OUAZ at Spirit Field in Surprise, Arizlf effort and an equalizing goal from
Anton Aaltonen.
ACU opened the scoring in the 54th minute when Elijah Meade found the back of the net. Park-Gilbert responded just 15 minutes later, as Aaltonen scored his first goal of the season, finishing off an assist from
Olli Saksinen to bring the Buccaneers level at 1-1.
The Firestorm regained the lead in the 74th minute, and Park-Gilbert pushed forward in the final minutes looking for another equalizer. The Buccaneers finished the night with 16 shots, including eight on goal, while also earning 10 corner kicks compared to ACU's two. ACU recorded 11 shots with five on target.
In goal,
Nicklas Lagesen played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves while facing a busy ACU attack. The match was also a physical one, with five yellow cards handed out between the two teams.
The loss moves Park-Gilbert to 3-3 overall and 0-1 in GSAC play. While the result was not what the Buccaneers wanted, the team showed plenty of fight after going behind twice and will look to respond in its next conference matchup. Park-Gilbert returns to action Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. MST against OUAZ at Spirit Field in Surprise, Ariz.
