[Men's Soccer] Stalwart Defensive Effort Leads Hawks to Victory over Southern Oregon

PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The San Diego Christian College Hawks fended off an aggressive (RV) Southern Oregon University Raiders attack to earn a 1-0 victory in their final game of the ERAU Fall Soccer Invitational.

The defensive effort was solidified by the outstanding play of the Hawk back line. Robert Webb, Steven Banda, Finn Birkner, Jesus Garcia, and Ivan Chavez locked down the defensive third of the field for SDCC allowing keeper Anthony Chavoya to earn a clean sheet. Chavoya logged six saves in the effort with most of the Raider shots coming from distance.

Although the shots on goal statistic may make one think otherwise, Southern Oregon was outplayed by the Hawks who allowed only one true scoring opportunity.

The lone Hawk goal, and the game-winner, came in the 57th minute from an amazing counterattack that was started by captain, Ruben Aguiniga. Aguiniga collected a deflected SOU shot and played a quick ball to freshman forward, Ian Garcia at midfield. Garcia then laid the ball off to Kieran Chance on the left wing. The senior forward drew the Raider defenders towards him and played a perfect through ball to a streaking James William who coolly nutmegged the keeper with his first touch.

Coach Kyle Hewitt had this to say about the weekend, "After the game against Embry Riddle, everyone was very disappointed because it was not a true representation of our identity as a program. We were able to have a reset on the off day. The game with Southern Oregon was our chance to show who we really were. I am so pleased with the group for their collective effort, attention to detail, and willingness to do anything necessary for their Hawk brothers. Our boys now know what is expected of them. It is our task to show consistency through the next few months in order to gain a GSAC playoff berth. We are capable, it is now down to us."

UP NEXT
The Hawks travel to Pasadena, CA, to take on the California Institute of Technology Beavers on Friday, September 9. Kickoff is set for 4:30 pm.