The Benedictine University Mesa women's soccer team put up a determined fight on their home field but ultimately fell 2–0 to Soka University of America on Saturday evening.
The first half saw Soka come out aggressively, generating consistent pressure in the Redhawks' defensive third. After several early chances Soka broke through in the 27th minute, giving SOKA a 1-0 advantage. Benedictine's best look of the half came in the 39th minute when
Dahlia Alonso connected on a header, but Soka goalkeeper Mackinzie Stenstrom made the save to preserve the lead.
In the second half, the Redhawks leaned on goalkeeper
Thea Draganova, who came up with multiple saves to keep her team within reach. Despite her strong performance, Soka doubled its lead in the 57th minute pushing the score to 2–0.
Benedictine made attacking substitutions throughout the half, with efforts from
Kyleya Meltebarger and others testing the Soka back line, but the Redhawks couldn't find a breakthrough. Soka's defense remained steady, closing out the victory.
Key Performances
Looking Ahead
The Redhawks are back on the field on Tuesday, September 16
th as they take on Park Gilbert at home.
