SURPRISE, Ariz - The OUAZ men's soccer team looked to sweep the opening weekend of Golden State Athletic Conference play Saturday night. While the effort and chances were there, the result was not.

Sergio Vega's 24' goal was all Hope International needed to top the Spirt 1-0 on Saturday night. It marks the first time an opponent shut out OUAZ all season.

The Spirit were the GSAC's highest scoring team coming into Saturday. They averaged 4.8 goals a game, good for 6th in the NAIA as well. Despite scoring seven goals Thursday, OUAZ could not keep the momentum rolling.

"We got around the goal, and their keeper in the first half made two really big saves that, most of the time go in," OUAZ head coach Matt Gow said. "I think we created the opportunities to score goals…sometimes they don't need to go in so we can keep the world on axis."

The Spirit had 13 shot attempts, but only three of them were on target. Edoardo Venutolo led the team in that category with two, while Hazem Sobhy picked up the other.

The Spirit now have seven days before their next game, and it is important to avoid any lingering effects of a frustrating game. This team has only lost twice, and could use this as a learning moment.

"I think our guys need to grow from it, understand that we didn't play bad," Gow said. "To go out there and put on a decent performance, at least work really hard, we're not starting over."

The Spirit take the field next Saturday when they face rival Arizona Christian. The action from Spirit Field is scheduled to get underway at 8pm.