MESA, Ariz. – Hope International men's soccer held host Park Gilbert to just seven shots for the match, but the Buccaneers scored twice in the first half to earn a 2-1 GSAC victory on Thursday at the Arizona Athletic Grounds.
Caden Dossman scored just 2:13 into the contest and Arwed von Oertzen added a 42nd minute goal to lift the Buccaneers to a 2-0 lead going into halftime.
The Royals halved the deficit in the 53rd minute as Allan Gonzalez lofted a pass in the vicinity of the six-yard box, where 6-foot-3 Christopher Ferrufino rose above the Park Gilbert defense to head a shot inside the far post. It was Ferrufino's first goal of the season, and third of his career.
HIU had a golden opportunity to tie the score in the 63rd minute after drawing a foul inside the 18-yard box. The Royals were awarded a penalty kick, but Vianni Martinez's attempt was turned away by Buccaneer goalkeeper Nicklas Lagesen.
The Royals had four more shots the remainder of the game, but none on frame, as they outshot Park Gilbert 8-2 in the second half.
HIU also had all eight of its corner kick attempts take place in the second half.
Bryan Solano started the game and Tyler Beehler took over to start the second half as HIU split goalkeeping duties.
The Royals (5-5-4. 2-4-4 GSAC) currently sit in seventh place in the GSAC standings, four points out of sixth. The top six teams in the standings qualify for the GSAC Tournament.
HIU faces a huge game on Saturday at Arizona Christian, with kickoff at 11:30 a.m.
