Glendale, Ariz.- A lack of offensive production paved the way for the visiting Benedictine Mesa to defeat the Firestorm 1-0 at ACU Football Field. Following a stellar 5-goal performance against Oklahoma City University last Saturday, ACU was shut out for the second time this season. Aiden Abbitt and Jose Garcia led the way with three shots apiece in the scoreless outing. 

Score:  Arizona Christian 0, Benedictine Mesa 1
Records:  Arizona Christian 5-3-0 (0-0-0) | Benedictine Mesa 4-4-0 (2-2-0)
Location: ACU Football Field - Glendale, AZ

STAT TRACKER

Aiden Abbitt - 3 shots, 1 on goal
Jose Garcia - 3 shots
Santiago Ballesteros - 2 shots
Marlon Arce - 1 shot, 1 on goal
Carlos Gallardo - 2 saves

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

For much of the first period, both ACU and Ben Mesa played the ball between the 20-yard lines, with no real offensive push. Forward Marlon Arce reeled off the first shot of the contest only one minute into play. The Redhawks' goalkeeper Aidan Klein was tested early, as Arce's shot was on target, but it was only a scare. Over 12 minutes ticked on by before the next shot attempt by either squad, as ACU's Santiago Ballesteros misfired a header just over the crossbar.

Before the half would come to a 0-0 conclusion, the Firestorm had outshot Ben Mesa 7-1. Midfielder Aiden Abbitt accounted for the only other shot on target for ACU, coming just after a corner kick sent inside from Jose Garcia in the 25th minute.

Defender Tiago Soares got the Firestorm moving soon into the second period, firing off a mid-distance shot that missed wide right. A few possessions later, the Redhawks managed to threaten goalkeeper Carlos Gallardo for the first time all night, as Carlos Barraza served up two shots outside of 25 yards. 

In an effort to break the stalemate, both teams made several substitutions as the final 30 minutes would decide it all. Ben Mesa ended up breaking the glass on the goal, as Gabriel Waters, in his first game of the year, used a touch pass from right to left to find Mateo Torres for a score. Torres' goal, his first of the season, was only the third shot on goal for the Redhawks. It proved to be the game-winner, as the Firestorm were left wanting.

THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI

"Tonight was a tough result but credit to Benedictine for executing their game plan and getting the result," Coach Krzywiecki said. "Today was much about us not executing what we worked on from our press to our ability to circulate the ball and create opportunities. We will learn from it and will need to respond well as we open up conference play next week. I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow."

NEXT MATCH

The Firestorm begin GSAC play next Thursday, September 28th as they visit Jessup University (4-3-2). First whistle at Warrior Field is at 4:30 PM. Follow the action with live stats at https://jessupathletics.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary and watch the game at https://www.gsacsportsnetwork.com/azchristian/.   


Roll Storm!