Kaduya Scores Twice as The Master's Advances to GSAC Men's Soccer Championship

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Behind two goals and an assist from Adiel Kaduya, The Master's University punched its ticket to the GSAC Men's Soccer Championship with a 3-1 victory over Park Gilbert on Thursday afternoon at Reese Field. The second-seeded Mustangs improved to 12-4-3 with the semifinal victory, while the third-seeded Buccaneers finished their season at 12-7-1.

Trent Rickard opened the scoring in the 12th minute off an assist from Kaduya. The Mustangs extended their advantage in the 32nd minute when Andrew Sorto set up Kaduya for what proved to be the game-winning goal. The Master's controlled the opening half, outshooting Park Gilbert 11-2 and taking a 2-0 lead into halftime.

The Buccaneers responded in the 60th minute when Olli Saksinen scored off an assist from Anton Aaltonen to cut the deficit to 2-1. Saksinen finished with three shots, including two on goal, as Park Gilbert increased its offensive pressure with eight second-half shots after managing just two in the opening period.

Park Gilbert goalkeeper Nicklas Lagesen kept the Buccaneers within striking distance as the Mustangs continued to create scoring opportunities. The Master's attempted 13 shots in the second half, forcing Lagesen to make eight saves. Five of those stops came between the 67th and 86th minutes, preserving the one-goal margin as Park Gilbert searched for an equalizer.

Kaduya put the match out of reach in the 88th minute, scoring his second goal of the afternoon off assists from Rickard and Michael Masimango to restore the Mustangs' two-goal advantage. Kaduya finished with six shots, including four on goal, while Rickard added a goal and an assist and led all players with eight shots, five on target.

The Master's finished with a 24-10 advantage in total shots and a 16-5 edge in shots on goal. Lagesen recorded 13 saves for the Buccaneers, while Franco Barba earned the win in goal for the Mustangs with four saves. The Master's also held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

The Mustangs will face the winner of Thursday's other semifinal between top-seeded Embry-Riddle and fifth-seeded Benedictine Mesa in Monday's GSAC Championship match. If Embry-Riddle advances, the Eagles will host the final in Prescott, Ariz., at 6 p.m. MST. If Benedictine Mesa wins, The Master's will host the championship at Reese Field in Santa Clarita, Calif.