By: Generated by uReport

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Fifth-seeded Benedictine Mesa defeated fourth-seeded Arizona Christian 3-1 on Monday to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 GSAC Men's Soccer Championship. Kobe Bewicke scored twice for the Redhawks.

Arizona Christian threatened first when Nikarro Williams struck the crossbar in the 25th minute. Bewicke converted a penalty kick in the 29th minute to put Benedictine Mesa ahead, but the Firestorm continued to create chances. Alexander Menolascina hit the post in the 42nd minute, leaving Arizona Christian trailing 1-0 at halftime despite a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Shay Carey extended the Redhawks' lead to 2-0 with an unassisted goal in the 52nd minute. Arizona Christian answered in the 60th minute, when Nathan Tchiakpe scored his seventh goal of the season off an assist from Raul Aranda to cut the deficit to 2-1. Aranda also contributed two shots for the Firestorm.

Benedictine Mesa goalkeeper Charlie Shepherd protected the one-goal lead with a key save on Jose Garcia in the 64th minute. Shepherd finished with three saves over 90 minutes to earn a sixth victory of the season. At the other end, Arizona Christian goalkeeper Emiliano Vega also recorded three saves.

Bewicke nearly added another goal in the 81st minute, but the attempt struck the post. The insurance goal came in the 85th minute, when Carey assisted on Bewicke's second finish to restore the two-goal margin. Carey finished with three points on a goal and an assist.

The Redhawks outshot the Firestorm 19-12, including a 14-7 edge in the second half, and held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal. Bewicke led all players with eight shots, three on target, while Carey attempted five shots. Ryder Skolka added three shots, including two on goal. Arizona Christian finished with a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

Benedictine Mesa advances to face top-seeded Embry-Riddle in the GSAC semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. MST in Prescott, Ariz.