Jose Garfias (No. 8) of Concordia scored twice in a span of five minutes to help Concordia University Irvine post a 5-0 win over Academy of Art University. (Photo courtesy Troy Makalenk afternoon
Concordia University’s men’s soccer team broke open a tight match with Academy of Art Monday with three quick goals to open the second half and pulled away for a resounding 5-0 victory.
Julian Font maneuvered his way for a goal in the 47th minute by redirecting Connor Gordon’s kick into the box. Font finished with a goal and an assist but it was by no means a one-man show.
Concordia senior Jose Garfias tallied his first two goals of the season in a span of just five minutes. Gordon fed him with a cross for his first tally of the year to make it 4-0 Eagles. Garfias added an unassisted goal in the 53rd minute by running up the left side and finding the back of the net.
“We worked on our press at practice the last few days and we had good communication when attacking,” said Garfias. “We were able to counter-attack really well and almost every time it was a goal or a good opportunity.”
Gordon contributed a goal and two assists to capture a team-high four points on the afternoon. He opened the scoring in the sixth minute to put the Eagles in front right out of the gate. Jafet Sanchez perfectly timed his slide tackle to steal possession and then fed Font who booted the ball ahead of the defense to a streaking Gordon.
The senior cashed in for his 12th goal of the season and moved one step closer to tying the all-time record for goals scored in school history. Gordon now needs just six more tallies to reach Jeff Clark’s record of 50 career goals at Concordia.
Elijah Amadin notched his second goal of the year when he scored on a header off a pass from Ari Claro right before intermission. Amadin’s header made it 2-0 Concordia as the teams went to intermission and set the stage for the second-half flurry of goals.
“It was a much-needed win after the results we had in Hawaii,” added Garfias. “We have four games left and we’re just trying to end the season with an 8-3 record (in conference play).”
The Green and Gold improve to 4-2 at home and 4-3 in PacWest play. The Eagles are now 6-8 overall and will host Azusa Pacific Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.
-Ben Rosehart, for OC Sports Zone
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