Glendale, Ariz. – In their very first game on their brand new soccer field, Arizona Christian earned an impressive 3–1 victory over OUAZ, highlighted by a pair of goals from Raul Aranda and a strong all-around team performance. 


MATCH INFO
Score: OUAZ - 1, Arizona Christian - 3
Records:  OUAZ - 2-5-1, GSAC 1-3-1 | Arizona Christian - 5-2-2, GSAC 2-1-1 
Location: ACU Soccer Field, Glendale, AZ


STAT TRACKER
Raul Aranda - 2 goals
Jose Garcia - 1 goal, 1 assist
Josh Flanagan - 1 assist
Esteban Ardon - 1 assist
Emiliano Vega - 7 saves, 1 goal allowed 


INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Firestorm struck first in the 17th minute when Josh Flanagan set up Raul Aranda, who buried his third goal of the season to give ACU the early advantage. 
• OUAZ managed to level the score shortly before halftime on a penalty kick in the 41st minute, sending the match into the break tied at one apiece.
• ACU and OUAZ were tied at halftime, 1-1. 
• ACU wasted no time reclaiming momentum in the second half when Jose Garcia netted his team-leading seventh goal of the season in the 65th minute , assisted by Esteban Ardon, to push ACU back in front. 
• Just two minutes later, the Firestorm extended their lead as Aranda struck again—this time off a feed from Garcia—to make it 3–1 and secure the victory.
• The Firestorm defense held firm the rest of the way, shutting down OUAZ's attack and controlling possession to close out the match.
• ACU won the game, 3-1. 

THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI
"Our guys continue to find a way through adversity. There were moments today where the game could have swung either way, but our guys stayed focused and together. Some good things to build on as we head into the next week. Every match matters at this point. It was really special to play our first game on the new field. We appreciate all of the hard work our athletics admin, facilities and ops team put in to make today happen!"


NEXT UP
On Thursday, the Firestorm will host Life Pacific on the ACU Soccer Field at 8:00 pm.