(Pasadena, CA) Park University Gilbert’s men’s soccer team battled Caltech on Saturday, but the Buccaneers were unable to find the back of the net, falling 2–0 at Caltech North Field.
Caltech struck early, taking the lead just 4:02 into the match through Tanish Rao, who finished an unassisted opportunity to put the Beavers ahead 1–0. The Buccaneers settled into the match and continued to create opportunities, but Caltech goalkeeper Ethan Hamel kept the Buccaneers off the scoreboard.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 34th minute, when Matthew Luk scored his first goal of the afternoon to make it 2–0 heading into halftime. Both Caltech goals came in the opening 45 minutes, leaving the Bucs with a two-goal deficit to overcome in the second half.
Park Gilbert came out with increased pressure after the break and generated several chances. The Buccaneers finished the match with 15 total shots and five shots on goal, while also earning six corner kicks compared with Caltech’s three. Despite the increased attacking pressure, Park Gilbert was unable to convert its chances into a goal.
Brody Donovan led the Buccaneers with four shots, including one on target, while Kolten Sisco recorded two shots with one testing the Caltech goalkeeper. Caden Dosmann also created danger late in the match, forcing a save in the 73rd and 81st minutes.
In goal, Nicklas Lagesen played all 90 minutes and finished with three saves. Lagesen made several important stops throughout the match, including saves on shots from Luk and Rao late in the contest, helping keep Caltech from adding to its lead.
Caltech finished with 10 shots and five shots on goal, while Park Gilbert held the advantage in total attempts. The Buccaneers also showed plenty of attacking intent in the second half, but Caltech’s defense and goalkeeping prevented the Bucs from turning that pressure into a comeback.
Despite the result, the Buccaneers showed resilience after halftime and continued to push for a way back into the game. The Bucs will now look to regroup and return to winning ways in its next outing. The Buccaneers return home on Tuesday, September 1, when they host Justice University at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, AZ, for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Konstantin Papanikolaou
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