Men's Soccer Jumps Out to Early Lead vs Benedictine

The Nelson Warriors' (0-1-1) men's soccer team fell for the first time, losing a valiant battle against cross-town rival Benedictine University (Mesa) 4-1 on Tuesday night.

The Warriors matched the intensity of that evening's threatening monsoon, striking the RedHawks like lightning when freshman Pablo Pulido continued his early-season offensive tear, thundering in the game's first goal unassisted, just minutes into the match. The score was his second on the season, to go along with two assists.

Unfortunately, while the Nelson men were able to record 11 total shots, the Benedictine GK was equal to the task and Pulido's goal would be the only one the Warriors would net. The Redhawks offense countered like torrential rain, attempting 27 shots on the night, and answered Nelson just 5 minutes later with a goal by Ethan Lush, assisted by Ryder Padgett, to equalize the match. 14 minutes later, the Redhawks would grab a 2-1 lead when Ryder Padgett scored on a Pol Bistue assist, where the game would remain into halftime.

In the early seconds of the second half, the RedHawks strikers would catch the Warriors off guard, as Nelson allowed a wonder strike from Jimmy Quintero to stretch the Benedictine lead to 3-1.

Soon after, the threatening monsoon finally hit with lightning in the offing causing a 30 minute safety delay. The break gave the Nelson men a chance to make additional adjustments and once play resumed, they came out settled and under control, playing a much tighter next 25 minutes. GK Roberto Bustamante made a number of key saves during that stretch while the backline play of Christian Quintero anchored in the Warriors defense, keeping the score close and giving the offense multiple opportunities to attempt to climb back into the game.

On this night, however, the Warriors' strong effort was not enough, and after the Redhawks' Tholo Malebo scored a late goal at 84:57, assisted by Raegan Rintoul, they finalized a 4-1 Benedictine victory.

Up next for the Nelson men will be at Embry-Riddle in Prescott, on September 3. Kickoff will be at 7:30pm.

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.