GLENDALE, Ariz. – Junior Rigo Morales notched his second goal of the season as Hope International men's soccer settled for a 1-1 tie at Arizona Christian on Saturday in GSAC action.
The Royals left the Grand Canyon state with a 5-5-5 overall record, moving to 2-4-5 in the GSAC. The Firestorm are now 7-5-3 overall and clinched a spot in the GSAC Tournament, with a 6-3-1 conference record for 19 points.
HIU outshot Arizona Christian 19-13 for the match, as Cesar Naranjo and Matthias Alcaraz led the visitors with three shots apiece.
The Royals earned their goal off a set piece, as Erick Cabrera dumped a corner kick into the middle of the box. The ball found Rafa Gonzalez, who touched a pass to Morales. Morales scored from up close at the 22:04 mark.
The lead held until halftime, but evaporated less than five minutes into the second half.
Andres Topete punched a ball over the top of the HIU defense, and Raul Aranda outraced several Royals defenders, beating goalkeeper Tyler Beehler with a toe shot.
Both teams had opportunities in the second half, as Beehler made four saves in his 45 minutes of action, while ACU goalie Emiliano Vega stopped three shots.
With just one more GSAC Tournament spot open, HIU faces a crucial game next Saturday at Soka. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
