HASTINGS, Neb. — Southwestern College put together a strong second-half response Saturday but could not erase a two-goal halftime deficit, falling 2-1 to Hastings College at Lloyd Wilson Field.
The loss dropped the Moundbuilders to 0-3 on the season, while Hastings improved to 2-2. Southwestern finished with 13 shots, including eight in the second half, as the Builders increased the pressure after halftime.
Southwestern's breakthrough came in the 69th minute from Bernabe Lopez. After receiving the ball from Luke Anderson, Lopez took an impressive touch inside the box, turned toward goal and placed his shot into the bottom right corner to cut the Hastings lead to 2-1. Lopez finished with two shots, including one on goal, while Anderson recorded the assist.
Freshman goalkeeper Franco Guazzotti played all 90 minutes and recorded seven saves for Southwestern. One of his biggest stops came in the 50th minute when he denied Jake Watt on a penalty kick, keeping the Builders within striking distance.
Denis Martinez and Aidan Wiggs were also active in the Southwestern attack, each recording two shots and putting one on goal. Adrian Gimenez and Cooper Bates joined Guazzotti in playing the full 90 minutes.
Hastings scored both of its goals late in the first half. Augustine Banhire opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before Obie Casson added another less than four minutes later off an assist from Ellis Stokes, giving the Broncos a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Bastian Loock led Hastings with four shots, including two on goal, while Jacob Varley added three attempts. The Broncos finished with 16 shots and nine on goal, but Southwestern held Hastings scoreless in the second half.
The Moundbuilders outshot Hastings 8-7 over the final 45 minutes and continued to push for the equalizer after Lopez's goal, but the Broncos held on for the 2-1 victory.
Southwestern returns home Wednesday, Sept. 9, to face Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 7 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium in Winfield.
