Box Score PHOENIX, Ariz. – An extremely physical match took an unfortunate turn late in the contest, as a Juan Mora penalty kick lifted Arizona Christian to a 2-1 victory over the College of Idaho at Rose Mofford Soccer Complex.
Despite ACU (1-1) holding a 19-17 edge in fouls, it was the Coyotes that were booked five times to the Firestorm's one – including two red cards (for double yellows) inside the last 20 minutes – that proved to be the difference.
Playing with a man advantage, Mora was fouled in the box in the 81st minute, and his subsequent conversion from the spot breaking the deadlock. C of I (1-1) could not muster an attack over the final minutes, as ACU had the run of the pitch thanks to an 11-on-9 advantage.
C of I had the run of the pitch in the first half, but surrendered a Mora goal in the ninth minute, as the ACU striker took a Nicholas Palomares feed well outside the box and drove a line-drive shot into the corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The Yotes drew even in the 70th minute after ACU was whistled for a hand ball in the box in the 70th minute and newcomer Guilherme converted the penalty kick to tie the score.
ACU held a 20-12 edge in total shots and a 7-5 edge in corner kicks – the majority coming in the second half. C of I keeper
Grant Billings was the tough-luck loser, making six saves.
The Yotes return to the Treasure Valley next week for an exhibition match at Northwest Nazarene.
