(Mesa, AZ) The Park University Gilbert men’s Soccer team dropped its 2024 regular season opener 2-1 on Wednesday night at Arizona Athletic Grounds against Stanton University, losing to the Fighting Elks who picked up their first win of the season in their fourth game.
Early in the first half, Park Gilbert did a solid job maintaining possession and moving the ball around. Stanton then started to come alive after the 20-minute mark, netting two goals in the first half. Midfielder Paulo Nakashigue got Stanton on the board first, scoring his third goal of the season, followed by another goal from forward Salvador Carruco.
Last season, Park Gilbert’s goalkeeper Nicklas Lagesen only allowed two goals in a game once last season against #15 Westcliff. Stanton was able to find the back of the net twice against the Norwegian netminder in the first half. However, Lageson held Stanton scoreless in second half to give the Bucs a chance at a comeback.
Both teams brought the physicality in the match. Park Gilbert recorded three yellow cards and 10 fouls, while Stanton recorded one yellow card and 13 fouls.
The Bucs had their fair share of scoring chances in both halves of the game, capitalizing in the 82nd minute and cutting Stanton’s lead to 2-1. Midfielder and senior Havard Brynie netted the first goal of the 2024 season for Park Gilbert, igniting a spark on their sideline as the final 10 minutes turned into a heated contest. Forward and sophomore Ilan Rodriguez-Roda nearly tied the game in the 87th minute with his shot on goal.
The Bucs (0-1-0) look to bounce back on the road net week against Caltech, on August 31st at 11:00 a.m. MST.
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