Mesa, Ariz. – OUAZ men's soccer came up short on the road Saturday night, falling 2-0 to Benedictine University Mesa in Great Southwest Athletic Conference action. The Spirit move to 1-7-2 overall and 0-4-1 in GSAC play.
OUAZ battled through a scoreless first half and generated several quality scoring opportunities, but the Redhawks capitalized on their chances in the second half to secure the conference victory.
The Spirit were active offensively throughout the opening 45 minutes. Daniel Coke put multiple shots on target, while Harry Dwelly and Nickolas Linares Dominguez also created chances as OUAZ kept pressure on the Benedictine Mesa defense. Goalkeeper Jack Murdoch anchored the defensive effort, recording four first-half saves to keep the match scoreless heading into the break.
Benedictine Mesa broke through early in the second half when Franco Marambio finished a chance off an assist from Shay Carey to give the Redhawks a 1-0 lead.
The Spirit responded with several opportunities to find an equalizer. Linares Dominguez tested the goalkeeper multiple times, while Marcos Chavez, Zen Courtois, and Jesus Castillo each put shots on frame as OUAZ pushed numbers forward in search of a goal.
Despite the pressure, Benedictine Mesa doubled its advantage late in the match when Kobe Bewicke converted off an assist from Abel Bello. The Spirit continued to battle during the closing minutes but were unable to break through against the Redhawks defense.
Murdoch finished the night with seven saves, helping keep OUAZ within striking distance throughout the contest. The Spirit earned numerous corner kicks and generated sustained offensive pressure but could not find the finishing touch.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Spirit (1-7-2, 0-4-1 GSAC) return to action on Thursday, Oct. 1, when they travel to Aliso Viejo, California, to face Life Pacific in Great Southwest Athletic Conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon.
