Benedictine University Mesa earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Justice College on Wednesday, using an early goal from
Bryan Ncube and a second-half game-winner from
Pol Bistue to secure the win.
The Redhawks got on the board in the eighth minute when
Ryder Skolka found
Bryan Ncube, who finished the opportunity for his first goal of the season and a 1-0 Benedictine lead. The visitors continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, generating several quality chances while controlling much of the attack.
Justice responded in the 33rd minute as Baraka Achokah scored off an assist from Tobi Yesufu to level the match at 1-1. Despite the equalizer, Benedictine continued to create opportunities and held an advantage in possession and chances entering halftime.
The Redhawks regained the lead in the 64th minute when
Pol Bistue found the back of the net, giving Benedictine a 2-1 advantage. The goal proved to be the difference as the Redhawks' defense stood strong over the final 26 minutes.
Justice threatened on several occasions late in the contest, including two shots by Yesufu that struck the crossbar in the second half. Goalkeeper
Charlie Shepherd came up with key saves throughout the match, finishing with four stops to preserve the victory.
Benedictine outshot Justice 13-10 and earned six corner kicks. Ncube led the attack with three shots, while Bistue's second-half strike stood as the match-winner. Shepherd's steady performance in goal helped the Redhawks close out the result.
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