Mesa, Ariz.-  The Firestorm showed resilience and attacking firepower on Thursday evening, rallying from an early two-goal deficit to earn a 1-1 draw on the road against Park-Gilbert. 


MATCH INFO
Score: Arizona Christian - 1, Park Gilbert - 1
Records:  Arizona Christian - 3-1-2, GSAC 0-0-1 | Park Gilbert - 2-3-3, GSAC 1-0-1
Location: AZ Athletic Grounds, Mesa, AZ


STAT TRACKER
Marcos Mora - 1 goal
Emiliano Vega - 3 saves, 1 goal allowed 


INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Park Gilbert scored a goal in the 11th minute, leading ACU 1-0.  
• The Firestorm settled in defensively and created chances throughout the match, outshooting the Buccaneers 9–6 and generating consistent pressure in the attacking third.
• The breakthrough came in the 86th minute when Marcos Mora calmly buried a penalty kick, notching his second goal of the season and leveling the match late. 
• Mora's finish capped a strong second half for ACU, which produced five shots after halftime and forced Park-Gilbert to scramble defensively.
• Jose Garcia led the Firestorm attack with three shots on target, while goalkeeper Emiliano Vega made three saves to keep ACU within striking distance.
• ACU tied the game, 1-1. 

 

THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIEKCI
"Our guys played to our principles tonight and I was happy to see what we know we have in this group come to life on the field. We were unfortunate to give up an early goal on the counter attack and it was always going to be difficult with how committed Park was to protect the lead. It took a lot of character and grit to find a goal late get a point on the road tonight and our guys deserved it and worked for it. Emiliano Vega made two incredible saves in the the second half that most goalkeepers would not get to. Every conference game is such a tight battle so we have to continue to build on these experiences and lessons as we move on to Saturday."
 

NEXT UP
On Saturday, the Firestorm will head home and host Embry Riddle at 11:30 am on the ACU Football Field.