AVE MARIA, Fla. — The Gyrenes won their first home game of the season and second game overall, beating the Warner Royals 3-0. AMU had an explosion of offense, taking the most shots on goal this year and tying for most goals as well.
Things started off slow between the two teams, but in the 38th minute, Jael Parraga got a great feed from Jerron Dopwell and, using his left foot, buried the ball from the top of the box. It was Parraga's second goal of the season and first since September 2 against Florida National.
The Gyrenes took the 1-0 lead into the break and then came out firing in the second half.
In the 58th minute, Andre Betioli added some insurance for the Gyrenes finding the back of the net off a great feed from Blake Joseph. It was the first collegiate career goal for the freshman from Boca Raton, Florida.
Just two minutes later, off a corner kick from Cade Williams, Luis Mendoza took a shot that was initially saved by the Warner goalie, but the rebound was put back in by Joseph making it 3-0 Ave Maria.
For the final 20 minutes, the Gyrenes concentrated on defense and keeping the shutout intact, which they did. Goalie Rhys Lawlor had a light day of work in front of the net, not facing any shots on goal from the Royals. The Ave Maria defense snuffed out any opportunities for the Royals.
When the final whistle sounded, Ave Maria out shot Warner 13-2, with nine shots on goal and three goals on the board.
When asked how he was feeling after the win, head coach Cesar Markovic expressed great satisfaction.
"[We had] two tremendous days of practice and then played our best game of the season tonight."
With the win, Ave Maria improves to 2-12-1 and 2-9 in conference play for six points, just four points behind Webber, who sits in the sixth and final spot to get into the Sun Conference tournament right now, with three games left to go in the season.
The Gyrenes stay home for the next game, completing their second final back-to-back home game stretch of 2023. AMU will take on the #16 Keiser Seahawks at 7 pm at Gyrene Field. Keiser won the first match of the season 5-0 back on September 27, but the Gyrenes are coming into the game with some confidence having now swept the Warner Royals. The game will be broadcast on the Sun Digital Network.
