JACKSON, Miss. - Adrian Sanchez scored in the 64th minute to pull Belhaven within one, but East Texas Baptist answered just 77 seconds later to defeat the Blazers, 3-1, Saturday afternoon at Belhaven Bowl Stadium.
Belhaven created several opportunities during the opening half. Courtland Williams recorded the Blazers' first shot on goal in the 17th minute, forcing a save from ETBU goalkeeper Ryan Lord. Williams and Tye added attempts during another spell of pressure less than three minutes later.
The Tigers broke through at the 32:07 mark when Andrew Bradford scored off an assist from Brenden Davidson. Jacob Wenzel doubled the lead with 3:11 remaining in the half, converting a pass from Matthew Aguilar to send ETBU into the break ahead, 2-0.
The Blazers increased the pressure after halftime and outshot the Tigers, 9-8, during the second period. Wyatt Dupre tested Lord twice before Sanchez entered the match in the 63rd minute.
Sanchez made an immediate impact. The senior winger put a shot toward goal less than a minute after checking in, and Belhaven continued the attack by earning a corner. Sanchez then found the back of the net at 64:00 to trim the deficit to 2-1.
ETBU responded at 65:17 as James Mastrangelo scored an unassisted goal to restore the Tigers' two-goal advantage.
Belhaven continued to search for another goal down the stretch. Diego Sarzalejo, CJ Koppeis, Sanchez, Dupre and Zachary Howard all recorded attempts over the final 21 minutes. Dupre forced another save in the 77th minute before the Blazers earned their fifth corner of the match.
The Blazers finished with 14 shots, including nine in the second half, while ETBU recorded 16. Belhaven held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks. The Tigers placed six attempts on goal compared to four for the Blazers.
Sanchez led Belhaven with three shots and a goal, while Dupre added three attempts and placed two on frame. Williams finished with two shots and one on goal. Justin Ramirez made three saves in 90 minutes in goal.
Belhaven returns to action Wednesday, Sept. 16, when the Blazers host Tougaloo at Belhaven Bowl Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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