Paul Quinn Falls to Southwest in Season Finale and Homecoming Match

First Half: Southwest Takes Early Lead

Southwest set the pace from the opening whistle, scoring five minutes into the game as Leonardo Cepeda netted the first goal, assisted by Yahir Chacon. Less than two minutes later, Chacon struck again, this time unassisted, giving Southwest an early 2-0 lead that put Paul Quinn on the defensive.

Despite the initial setback, Paul Quinn regrouped and responded with a goal in the 18th minute. Charlie Fisher set up forward William Cortes, who found the net to cut Southwest's lead to 2-1. Paul Quinn's defense tightened up after this, keeping Southwest at bay for the remainder of the first half.

Second Half: A Battle for Control

The second half opened with high energy from both sides. Once again assisted by Frankie Oviedo, Cortes scored his second goal at the 45:30 mark, bringing Paul Quinn level at 2-2. However, Southwest quickly answered back in the 62nd minute with an unassisted goal from Nikolay Nikolov, reclaiming the lead.

Paul Quinn's Juan Mendoza kept the Tigers in the fight, equalizing again three minutes later, thanks to another assist from Oviedo. However, Southwest's offense surged as the game entered its final quarter. Ricardo Firmat's unassisted goal in the 75th minute gave Southwest a 4-3 lead, and two more goals in the 86th and 89th minutes — the last a penalty kick converted by Millaivy Lopez — sealed Paul Quinn's fate.

Key Performances and Statistics

For Southwest, Chacon and Lopez played pivotal roles, each contributing a goal, while Lopez's penalty kick in the 89th minute solidified Southwest's victory. Southwest's relentless attack generated 23 shots, with 21 on target, keeping Paul Quinn's goalkeeper, Jose Martinez, busy throughout the match. Martinez tallied four saves over 58 minutes but couldn't keep up with Southwest's high-powered offense.

Paul Quinn's William Cortes led the home team's efforts with two goals, and Juan Mendoza added another, while Oviedo's playmaking resulted in two assists. Paul Quinn registered 12 shots, with 10 on target, but struggled to keep possession, resulting in fewer scoring opportunities as the game wore on.

Cautions and Physicality

The match was physical, with fouls committed by both teams. Paul Quinn received two yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of their defensive play. Southwest committed three fouls but managed to maintain composure and minimize penalties.

Looking Forward

While Paul Quinn didn't get the result they hoped for on Homecoming, the match showcased a resilient offense and moments of cohesive play that bode well for future seasons. Improvements in defense and maintaining possession under pressure could be key for the Tigers as they build on this season's experiences.

In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Paul Quinn put up a valiant fight, creating a memorable season finale and a hopeful foundation for the future.Top of Form