Glendale, AZ - The Arizona Christian University men's soccer program (9-1-2, 3-1-1) drew 2-2 with #22 Hope International (9-1-1, 1-1-1) in their final home game of the year on Thursday afternoon at the ACU Football Field.

Thoughts From Coach:

After the match, Head Coach Ted Krzywiecki stated, "Today we faced some adversity and had to battle through it. Our guys earned a result against another top 25 team. After having a couple guys go down with knocks and bumps before and during the game - other guys stepped up. Eddie stepped in today after not starting all year and had a phenomenal game for us in goal. This has been the case all year - I feel like anyone I put in has made an impact and stepped up. It tells me that we have grit, character, and depth in our group. Anyone who has been called upon has stepped up. I'm proud of our seniors who have worked hard and given so much to this program - congratulations to all of them."

The Game:

Both the Firestorm and the Royals had opportunities in the first half with the Royals putting two balls into the net but both were called back for offsides as the game was scoreless at halftime. It would be the Firestorm who would strike first in the second as German Lopez was fouled in the box to earn a penalty. Ricardo Rivas would step up and bury it to make it 1-0 at 54:07. Then just a few moments later at 55:02 Lopez would find Esteban Franco on the counterattack to give the Firestorm a 2-0 lead. It looked like the Firestorm would put the game away but Lopez couldn't connect off a defensive giveaway as the score remained 2-0. Despite not giving up a goal from open play the Firestorm conceded two penalties in the half which Hope converted to tie the game 2-2. Neither team could find a winner in regulation as the score stood 2-2. Both teams had chances in overtime with Austin Crable sending a late attempt wide as the game ended in a tie. Eddie Delgadillo got the start in goal for the Firestorm and came up with several big saves to deny the Royals. After the game the Firestorm's seniors were honored on the field.

Stat Tracker:

Franco: one goal

Rivas: one goal

Lopez: one assist

Delgadillo: 8 saves

Next Match:

The Firestorm hit the road for their final GSAC games as they travel to Southern California to take on #21 Westmont on Thursday, October 21 at 12:30 PM PT.