Phoenix, AZ- On Saturday, Arizona Christian Men's Soccer opened the coaching era of Andrew Belleman with a 5-1 win over Ottawa (AZ).  Junior Anthony Archuleta started the scoring with the first two ACU goals of the season.

Following an opening shot by the Spirit (0-1), Archuleta converted the first ACU shot of 2017 into a goal.  Sophomore Damian Sanchez threaded the nettle with a through ball that sent Archuleta in on net and he did not miss the opportunity less than five minutes into the match.

Over the next eight minutes, the Firestorm (1-0) managed five shots.  But nothing changed on the scoreboard until Archuleta was pulled down in the box and converted the ensuing penalty kick.

Thirty seconds later, OUAZ was awarded a penalty kick of their own but Sophomore Goalkeeper Nick Tucker denied the attempt with a drive to his right.  Tucker would conclude his day with five saves.

Coach Belleman stated, "I was pleased with how we started the game.  I thought we dictated it from the beginning.  We also did well to get a couple of goals from the positive start.  Archuleta took his chances very well.  A lot of guys played well, but for me Tucker was the man of the match.  The PK save was a huge momentum shift and he played a very solid game in his first college start."

In the closing minute of the first half, Sanchez delivered again as he set up Junior Brian Booker with a breakaway and Booker cashed in his first goal for ACU.

At the break, Arizona Christian held a 15-4 shooting edge.  Sanchez topped with four shots.

Eight minutes into the second half, Senior Ryan Scarpulla sent a free kick into the box and Junior Carlos Morales used a side bicycle kick to create a 4-0 cushion for the Firestorm.

Just over four minutes later, Booker played a ball from the left end line that found Sanchez who wrapped up the Firestorm scoring when he deflected a shot off a Spirit defender.

With 20 minutes left in the contest, OUAZ accounted for their goal but ACU would not let them get any closer.

Concluding his thoughts, Coach Belleman commented, "I was also proud of our bench and the encouragement from the whole team! It was a great way to start the season. To God be the glory for allowing us to play and give the kind of effort we gave! We will have another big test against Bethesda on Thursday and we look forward to another opportunity."

On Thursday evening, the Firestorm will return to action as they host Bethesda at 7:30 pm at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex.