Grand Rapids, Mich. Aquinas entered Wednesday's final non-conference match knowing the formula for turning several narrow losses into victories. The Saints have defended well enough and received outstanding goalkeeping, but now need more of their quality chances to finish in the back of the net. That storyline continued against unbeaten Spring Arbor as AQ battled for all 90 minutes, placed six of its nine shots on goal and remained one play away before falling at the Aquinas Athletic Field.
Spring Arbor 2, Aquinas 1
Trae Collins created the first Aquinas chance in the eighth minute, sending a shot just wide of the right post. Dario Cela made his first save on a header by Micah Vasey in the 22nd minute and continued to stand tall as the Cougars increased the pressure. Fikret Hasovic tested Spring Arbor goalkeeper Soren Goubely Dondaine in the 25th minute after narrowly missing high on his first attempt. Maurice Chandler Jr. placed another shot on goal in the 31st minute, but Dondaine was there for the save. Cela stopped attempts from Leo Stravato, Will Kuiphof and Vasey during a busy closing stretch before Stravato broke through with only 30 seconds remaining in the half.
Aquinas responded quickly after the break and pulled even in the 53rd minute. Jackson Rittner helped create the opportunity and delivered the assist to Marcos Real, who finished the play to make it 1-1. Hasovic nearly gave AQ the lead less than two minutes later, while Evan Goodfellow forced another save in the 59th minute. On the other end, Cela answered with saves against Vasey, Stravato, Tiago Morais and Caleb Swartzendruber to keep the match level. Chandler put a header on frame in the 77th minute, forcing Dondaine to make his fifth save of the contest. Spring Arbor regained the advantage at 77:35 when Vasey converted a pass from Stravato for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
The Saints continued searching for another equalizer, with Hasovic pushing one final attempt just wide of the right post in the 89th minute. Hasovic led Aquinas with four shots and two on goal, while Chandler placed both of his attempts on frame. Cela was remarkable between the posts, making nine saves as Spring Arbor generated 24 total shots and 11 shots on goal. Adam Flanders, Joseph Farhat, Emmanuel Bedolla, Logan McClure, Brian Mosqueda, Jareth Balcaraz-Alvarado and Chase Jacobs Gries also helped AQ withstand extended stretches of Cougar pressure. Once again, the difference came down to only one or two moments, leaving the Saints confident that better finishing paired with their improving defense can quickly change those narrow losses into victories as WHAC play begins.
Aquinas concludes non-conference play with a 2-4 record, while Spring Arbor remains unbeaten at 8-0.
Saints Snapshots
- Final Test Complete: Aquinas concludes a demanding non-conference schedule battle-tested and ready to turn its attention toward WHAC play.
- Cela Stands Tall: Dario Cela's nine-save performance kept the Saints within striking distance from the opening whistle to the final minute.
- Real Delivers the Response: Marcos Real erased the halftime deficit just 7:35 into the second half, finishing a chance created by Jackson Rittner.
- Chances Were There: Six of AQ's nine attempts reached the frame, but Spring Arbor goalkeeper Soren Goubely Dondaine turned away five of them.
- Homecoming Starts on the Pitch: The Saints will open both their WHAC schedule and Aquinas' four-game Homecoming Saturday lineup at noon.
Coach's Comments
"We have been one or two plays away from being 5-1 or even 6-0, but our record is what it is, and we have to own that," Aquinas head coach Luke Ruff said. "Our defending and goalkeeping continue to give us a chance every time we step onto the pitch. Now we have to be more clinical and turn those quality opportunities into goals. Everything we have done since the beginning of the season has been focused on preparing for the WHAC. We believe we can compete in this conference, put ourselves in position to make a run and earn an opportunity to play in the NAIA postseason."
Up Next
Homecoming Saturday also marks the beginning of WHAC play for Aquinas. The Saints will open a four-game home lineup at the Aquinas Athletic Field when they battle Cleary at noon. Nate Wangler and Joey Sutherlin will have the call on the AQSaints YouTube Network.
Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for live statistics, streaming links and complete postgame coverage of Aquinas men's soccer and all other Saints sports.
It's a great day to be a Saint.
