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Arizona Christian University

OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE OF ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Jose Garcia scores goal
Khaxil Stewart
1
Westcliff (CA) WU (0-0-1)
1
Arizona Christian ACU (0-0-1)
Westcliff (CA) WU
(0-0-1)
1
Final
1
Arizona Christian ACU
(0-0-1)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Westcliff (CA) WU 0 1 1
Arizona Christian ACU 1 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Natalie Lopez

Firestorm Battle Westcliff To A Draw In Home Opener

Glendale, Ariz. –  Arizona Christian opened the 2026 season under the lights at the ACU Soccer Field on Thursday night, earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Westcliff.


MATCH INFO
Score: Westcliff - 1 , Arizona Christian - 1
Records:  Westcliff - 0-0-1 | Arizona Christian - 0-0-1
Location: ACU Soccer Field, Glendale, AZ

STAT TRACKER
Jose Garcia - 1 goal
Logan Johnson - 1 assist
Emiliano Vega -  1 save, 1 goal allowed 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
  • The Firestorm struck first midway through the opening half when Jose Garcia found the back of the net in the 24th minute. Logan Johnson delivered the assist, setting up Garcia's first goal of the season and giving ACU an early 1-0 advantage.
  • The Firestorm carried the lead into halftime after limiting Westcliff's attack in the opening 45 minutes. 
  • ACU generated six of their seven total shots before the break while their defense held the Warriors scoreless through the first half.
  • The second half became a defensive battle as Westcliff increased the pressure, outshooting ACU 18-1 over the final 45 minutes. 
  • Despite the sustained attack, the Firestorm continued to hold the lead until the 79th minute, when Westcliff's Nikola Duborija converted a goal on an assist from Alex Hernandez to level the match at 1-1.
  • The Firestorm finished with seven shots, four corner kicks, and nine fouls, while matching Westcliff with one save.
  • Although Westcliff found a late equalizer, the Firestorm showed resilience throughout their first match of the season, earning a draw in front of the home crowd.
  • ACU tied with Westcliff, 1-1.

THOUGHTS FROM COACH TED KRZYWIECKI
"Tonight was a hard fought college soccer game. I felt that when our guys played to our plan and identity they showed their quality and ability to control the game especially in the first half. We got away from what brought us success in the second and weren't able to swing the rhythm back in our favor. Fortunately aside from a couple big chances our guys were able to block and keep shots off target and deal with Westcliff's late push. It's on us to increase our fitness level so we can maintain our quality throughout the entire match. We have to move forward quickly and prepare for another great opportunity to compete on Saturday."

NEXT UP
On Saturday, the Firestorm will host Warner Pacific at 9:30am on the ACU Soccer Field.



 
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