Dixie State University men’s soccer hangs on to a first half 1-0 lead against Biola University to pick up its first road win of the season.
Both teams came out aggressive combining for 13 shots in the first half. But it was DSU junior defender Jason Arollo, integrated studies major from Glendale, Arizona, who came off the bench to score a header off a corner kick from senior midfielder Santiago Alejandro in the 39th minute.
“It was just a ball into the mix,” Arollo said ” I beat my runner and I came onto the ball with my head and it just smashed in the back of the net.”
Biola would have three chances our its own to score before halftime, but could not capitalize.
The Eagles put the pressure on in the second period looking for an equalizer. Goal keeper Bradley Trella, a psychology major from Chandler Arizona, and the DSU defensive effort came up huge. Trella ended the match with six saves including a crucial one in the 90th minute to maintain a clean sheet.
“I’ll give the six saves to my defense,” Trella said. “Most of the shots I had to deal with weren’t overly difficult because my teammates did a good job of shutting down all the good options.”
While the Red Storm offense struggled to create chances with only one shot in the second half, Biola University’s attack was relentless, and racked up 16 shots.
“After the final whistle blew we brought it in as a group and we were happy,” Arollo said ” none of us gave up on each other and we were able to stay ahead.”
The Storm escaped with the 1-0 victory with only six shots taken. Dixie State improves to 2-1 on the season.