(Mesa, AZ) The Park University Gilbert women’s and men’s soccer teams each dropped its contest to Embry Riddle with the women falling to the 14th-ranked eagles 3-0 and the men dropped a tough 2-0 contest. For the women the result didn’t change its postseason fortunes as the Buc women had already qualified for the postseason. For the men however their hold on the final playoff spot is no longer in its control.
Women’s Soccer – #14 Embry Riddle 3, Park Gilbert 0
The Bucs fell to the 14th-ranked Eagles 3-0 in a game which had no effect on conference standings. The Buccaneers are the sixth seed and will face either Saint Katherine or Simpson in the first round based on how those two teams fare on Saturday.
In this game today, the Eagles dominated possession of the ball and outshot the Bucs 14-3. The Eagles had 11 shots on Buc goalkeeper Catherine Corlett and she made eight saves. Park was unable to get a shot on goal against a tough ERAU defense.
Kaitlyn Aeppli, Dani Mares and Michelle Munoz had the only shots for Park.
Men’s Soccer – Embry Riddle 2, Park Gilbert 0
The Buccaneer men needed a tie to secure a place in the playoffs, but to Eagle set pieces in Bucs territory resulted in both goals and the win for ERAU.
Overall, the two teams had as many chances as the other as each team had eight shots. The Eagles managed to put five shots on goal to only three for the Bucs.
Each team had opportunities, but the veteran Eagles took advantage of two of the Bucs seven fouls on the evening. Each one was a foul just outside of the Bucs box, each time the Eagles set piece resulted in a goal.
Park managed to put enough pressure on the Eagles to have seven corner kicks, but they were unable to capitalize on those opportunities.
The Park men now have to wait until Saturday to find out its postseason fate. If Soka beats Saint Katherine, the Bucs are in. If Saint Katherine wins, the Bucs will be on the outside looking in.
Senior Night
Both the women and men celebrated their seniors and their contributions to Buccaneer soccer prior to their game with Embry Riddle.
For the women, Kaitlyn Aeppli, Alondra Castro, Alison Washatka, Hallie Thompson and Jessa Lyonswere honored.
For the men, Osvaldo Sanchez, Angel Cervantes, Rolf Andela, Jayson Williams, Max Gross and Austin Murray received kudos from the friends and teammates.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
