In a fiercely competitive first half, Benedictine Mesa came out strong against OUAZ, pressing the attack and creating a series of early opportunities. The Redhawks set the tone from the opening minutes, with Jack Taylor firing high in the fourth minute and Ryder Padgett narrowly missing shortly after. OUAZ's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Jonathan Garcia, faced constant pressure, as Garcia made several critical saves to keep Benedictine from taking an early lead. Reagan Rintoul's close-range attempt and Tshepiso Ntuli's powerful header were both denied by Garcia's quick reactions, thwarting Benedictine's aggressive start.
 
As the half wore on, Benedictine continued their offensive drive, bringing on substitutes Cornelus Miller, Rene Yebra, and Carlos Barraza to inject fresh energy. Yebra came close in the 22nd minute, but OUAZ defender Victor Chakwakwama cleared his attempt. Shots from Yamil Herrera and Barraza followed, both stopped by Garcia. Tholo Malebo nearly found the breakthrough in the 39th minute, hitting the post in a moment that had the crowd on edge. In the final moments of the half, goalkeeper Donato Gil kept Benedictine level, making a crucial save against OUAZ's Andrew DelGuidice, sending both teams into halftime at 0-0.
 
Entering the second half determined to take control, the Redhawks were taken by surprise in the 56th minute when OUAZ's Miguel Medina scored, shifting the momentum. Benedictine responded swiftly, with Gergo Varga and Padgett pressing forward and testing Garcia, who continued to defend OUAZ's lead. Medina struck again in the 64th minute, putting OUAZ up 2-0 and increasing the urgency for Benedictine. The Redhawks dug deep, and in the 68th minute, Barraza found the back of the net off an assist from Miller, cutting the lead to 2-1 and reigniting Benedictine's attack.
 
Benedictine kept up relentless pressure, with Lush, Varga, and Barraza all pushing forward but finding Garcia a stubborn obstacle. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 85th minute when Barraza scored his second goal, leveling the score at 2-2. With renewed energy, Benedictine pressed for the game-winner in the final minutes, with close attempts from Edwin Arias and Malebo. Despite their best efforts and multiple close calls, the match ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
 
Key Performers:

• Carlos Barraza: 2 goals, 5 shots, 3 on target
• Ethan Lush: 4 shots, 3 on target
• Tholo Malebo: 5 shots, 2 on target

With the season coming to a close, the Benedictine Mesa Men's Soccer team leaves the field with pride, embodying the resilience and determination that define what it means to be a Redhawk.