Glendale, Ariz.- Jake Underwood scored a late-game header, but it could not overshadow a lackluster performance and 2-1 loss to the visiting Hope International Royals. A two-goal deficit in the first period proved too much to overcome for the Firestorm, as they fell to 1-3 in GSAC play. Through 12 games, this comes as the 10th that has been decided by one goal.

Score: Arizona Christian 1, Hope International 2
Records: Arizona Christian 6-6-0 (1-3-0) | Hope International 10-2-1 (2-1-0)
Location: ACU Football Field - Glendale, AZ

STAT TRACKER

Jake Underwood - 1 goal, 1 shot on goal
Aiden Abbitt - 1 assist, 2 shots on goal
Marlon Arce - 3 shots, 1 on goal
Tiago Soares - 2 shots
Nolan Finch - 2 shots
Carlos Gallardo - 3 saves

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

The first blow was dealt less than a minute following the first shot, as Hope International's Tyler Moch scored on a chippy pass from Angel Magdaleno in the 6th minute. Carlos Gallardo was forced to meet Moch outside of the box and could not plug the hole created by the Royals' attack.

It was not till the 21st minute that the Firestorm sent in their first shot on goal, Aiden Abbitt unsuccessful getting past HIU's goalie Milton Herrera. Only two possession flips later, Moch got on the board a second time with a left to right cross from Christian Uriostequi. 

The Royals would outshoot the Firestorm 4-3 in the remainder of the first period, Uriostequi accounting for two shots including one that crashed into the right post of the goal. Marlon Arce also came close for ACU, with one shot hitting the left goal post and another on target. After one half, the Firestorm trailed 2-0.

Much like the opening 45 minutes, HIU controlled the second stanza's pace and rhythm. Abbitt did record a shot on goal in the 54th minute, but other attempts by Tiago Soares, Nolan Finch and Arce ended up wide with no real threat to Herrera. Gallardo managed three saves throughout the period just to keep the Firestorm in striking distance.

Following a corner kick by Abbitt, Jake Underwood delivered a beautiful header over the top of Herrera in the 86th minute to breathe new life into ACU. A visible energy reverberated in the Firestorm yet the Royals held firm and took a 2-1 game across the finish line.

NEXT MATCH

The Firestorm only play one game next week, matching off with Life Pacific (1-10-2) next Saturday, October 21st with kickoff at 5:00 PM. After a tough 1-3 start to GSAC play, ACU looks to right the ship with a win to begin their final three regular-season games. Follow the action with live stats at https://www.lpuwarriors.com/sports/msoc/2023-24/boxscores/20231021_19lp.xml and watch the game at https://www.gsacsportsnetwork.com/azchristian/. 


Roll Storm!