Benedictine University Mesa

Benedictine University Mesa men's soccer dropped a 4-1 decision to Park University Gilbert in GSAC action on Saturday night at Santos Soccer Complex. The Redhawks generated plenty of offensive opportunities but were unable to overcome an early deficit as the Buccaneers earned the conference victory. 

Park struck first in the ninth minute when Brody Donovan finished a chance off assists from Linus Vilhelmsson and Oskar Lindberg. The Buccaneers doubled their lead just over three minutes later as Olli Saksinen found the back of the net with Donovan picking up the assist. 

Benedictine responded midway through the opening half. Following a corner kick, Kobe Bewicke scored in the 25th minute off a setup from Pol Bistue to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Redhawks continued to push forward and nearly added another goal before halftime but entered the break trailing 3-1 after Saksinen recorded his second goal of the match in the 36th minute. 

The Redhawks produced several quality chances throughout the second half, finishing with 18 shots and nine shots on goal. Bewicke led the attack with five shots, including two on target, while Shay Carey added four shots. Benedictine also came close to pulling within one goal after Ryder Skolka's header struck the post in the 69th minute. 

Goalkeeper Charlie Shepherd kept the Redhawks within striking distance throughout the match, making seven saves against 21 Park shots. Benedictine continued to pressure late, but Park sealed the result in the 83rd minute when Donovan scored his second goal of the night. 

Benedictine finished with a slight advantage in total shots during several stretches of play and earned four corner kicks, but Park goalkeeper Nicklas Lagesen recorded eight saves to preserve the Buccaneers' lead.