Irvine, Calif. – OUAZ men's soccer battled back to level the match in the second half, but Hope International found a late winner to hand the Spirit a 2-1 defeat Saturday afternoon in Great Southwest Athletic Conference action.
With the result, OUAZ moves to 2-8-2 overall and 1-5-1 in GSAC play.
The Royals struck first in the 11th minute when Roberto Estrada finished a chance off an assist from Cesar Naranjo to give the home side an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite falling behind, the Spirit generated quality opportunities throughout the opening half. Carlos Rodriguez forced a save in the fifth minute, Jasper Jackman put a shot on target midway through the period, and Daniel Coke tested the Hope International goalkeeper later in the half. OUAZ also earned five corner kicks before halftime while searching for the equalizer.
Defensively, Jack Murdoch kept the Spirit within striking distance, making two saves before Major Evans entered in relief late in the first half. The duo combined for four saves on the afternoon.
OUAZ found its breakthrough early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Daniel Coke delivered a pass to Harry Dwelly, who buried the equalizer for his fourth goal of the season and tied the match at 1-1.
The match remained deadlocked for more than 20 minutes as both teams battled for control. Hope International eventually regained the lead in the 75th minute when Cesar Naranjo found the back of the net, providing what became the game-winning goal.
The Spirit continued to push forward during the final stretch, earning a late corner kick and applying pressure in the attacking third, but were unable to find a second equalizer before the final whistle.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Spirit (2-8-2, 1-5-1 GSAC) return to action on Thursday, Oct. 8, when they travel to face Benedictine University Mesa in another Great Southwest Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. as OUAZ looks to get back in the win column.
