Phoenix, Ariz. – OUAZ men's soccer battled back to erase an early second-half deficit but ultimately fell 2-1 to Park-Gilbert on Saturday night in GSAC action. The loss moves the Spirit to 2-10-2 overall and 1-7-1 in conference play.
After a scoreless first half, both teams entered the break deadlocked despite several quality chances. Goalkeeper Jack Murdoch helped keep the match even with a pair of saves, while Park-Gilbert struck the post twice during the opening 45 minutes. On the offensive end, Zen Courtois led the Spirit attack with multiple scoring opportunities, including a shot on goal in the 18th minute.
The Buccaneers broke through just 1:36 into the second half when an own goal gave the home side a 1-0 advantage.
OUAZ responded midway through the period. In the 64th minute, Matthew DePaco set up Mason Whisler, who found the equalizer for his third goal of the season. The goal capped off a strong stretch for the Spirit and pulled the match even at 1-1.
The tie lasted less than 10 minutes, however, as Brody Donovan converted a chance in the 74th minute off an assist from Anton Aaltonen to restore the Park-Gilbert lead.
The Spirit continued to press for another equalizer during the final stages of the match. Riley Fielder nearly tied the contest in the 82nd minute, but his header was turned away by the Park-Gilbert goalkeeper. OUAZ earned four corner kicks and continued to apply pressure, but the Buccaneers held on for the conference victory.
Despite the loss, the Spirit limited Park-Gilbert to five shots on goal while matching the Buccaneers with four shots on target of their own. Murdoch finished with three saves, while Whisler led the OUAZ attack with a goal and two shots on target.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Spirit (2-10-2, 1-7-1 GSAC) return home on Thursday, Oct. 15, for a conference matchup against The Master's. Kickoff from Spirit Field is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. as OUAZ looks to get back in the win column.
