The Benedictine University Mesa women's soccer team battled hard but came up short on the road, falling 4–2 to Arizona Christian University on Tuesday evening.
Arizona Christian opened the match with high pressure, finding the back of the net twice within the first 15 minutes. Rylee Mooberry struck first for the Firestorm in the 9th minute off an assist from Ella Barron, followed by a goal from Cadence Peroff in the 12th minute to make it 2–0.
The Redhawks quickly responded, as
Paula Gonzalez Castro converted in the 14th minute after a well-placed assist from
Neshma Rodriguez, cutting the deficit to 2–1. Gonzalez Castro continued to be a threat throughout the first half, recording multiple shots on goal, while
goalkeeper Tatum Lally kept Benedictine within reach with a series of key saves to end the half.
In the second half, the Redhawks came out determined, generating several chances early on. Gonzalez Castro and
Diana Montoya each forced saves from Arizona Christian's goalkeeper
Brenna Sonsini, but the Firestorm extended their lead in the 57th minute when
Jameson Maher found the back of the net.
Arizona Christian would add another in the 67th minute, with Peroff tallying her second of the match to make it 4–1.
Benedictine continued to press late, and their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when
Rylee Hatcher scored to bring the score to 4–2. Despite the late push and several final opportunities from
Cahryn Rod and
Hatcher, the Redhawks couldn't close the gap before the final whistle.
Key Performers:
Looking Ahead:
The Redhawks are back on the field on
Saturday, October 18th, as they hit the road to take on
Park Gilbert.