Box Score The Benedictine University Mesa men's soccer team turned in a dominant performance Wednesday night, defeating Nelson University 4–1 behind clinical finishing and steady defense.
The match opened with end-to-end action as both sides tested the goalkeepers early. Benedictine's Carlos Barraza and Jonas Foppen challenged Nelson keeper Ricardo Bustamante, while Gabriel Daniel and Anthony Berrios created chances for the visitors. Nelson struck first in the 13th minute when Pablo Pulido found the net for a 1–0 lead.
The Redhawks answered almost immediately. Just seconds later, Ethan Lush buried the equalizer off a feed from Ryder Padgett to level the score. Benedictine seized control soon after, with Padgett finishing in the 27th minute on a setup from Pol Bistue to put the hosts ahead 2–1. Jack Taylor nearly extended the margin before halftime, hitting the post.
Benedictine came out of the break firing. In the 46th minute, Jimmy Quintero slotted home to make it 3–1, giving the Redhawks breathing room. Despite a missed penalty from Bistue in the 65th minute, Benedictine's attack continued to pile on pressure, forcing Bustamante into a string of stops and rattling the crossbar.
Nelson had a chance to cut into the deficit when Berrios earned a penalty in the 67th minute, but his attempt sailed wide. From there, the Redhawks put the match out of reach. In the 85th minute, Raegan Rintoul set up Tholo Malebo for the fourth and final goal, sealing the 4–1 victory.
Key Players
Looking Ahead
The Redhawks return to action Friday, August 29, when they host Justice College.
