[Men's Soccer] Birkner Shines in 2-0 Win over Bethesda

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – On Friday, the San Diego Christian College Hawks dominated possession and offensive opportunities in a 2-0 victory over the Bethesda University – CA Flames. The win moves SDCC's overall record to 3-3-3 on the season.

The Hawks got off to a great start peppering the Flames keeper with three shots in the opening five minutes. Their early pressure paid dividends in the 13th minute when San Diego Christian's Dutch defender, Finn Birkner, played a perfect through ball from midfield onto the feet of his fellow countryman, Arie Boersma. Boersma controlled the ball and skillfully chipped the ball over the Bethesda keeper.

Although they would continue to apply massive pressure to the host Flames and outshoot them 18 to 5, SDCC would not break through again until the 85th minute. Once again, Birkner was involved. After a Hawk corner was partially cleared, junior forward Gael Ruiz grabbed possession back for San Diego Christian and dribbled the ball to the right end line. Ruiz's cross found the head of Birkner, still pushing forward from the corner kick, who courageously headed the ball to the back of the net for the final goal.

SDCC goalkeeper Mark Cardenas earned his first complete game clean sheet as a Hawk as well.

Head coach, Kyle Hewitt reflected on the win, "Today's win was important for the growth of our group and I'm very proud of the guys. We wanted to continue progressing in a positive way and play our game, and we did just that. The guys understood the assignment and they came out strong. The pre-season has been tough, but we have made strides forward. We are ready to conquer what's next. We have over a week to rest our bodies, refocus our minds, and continue growing. The GSAC conference is tough, and we are preparing ourselves for the battle. I am excited about the challenges ahead. It is great to be a HAWK! Let's Go!"

UP NEXT
The Hawks open conference play on Saturday, October 1 against the Vanguard University Lions. The home match for SDCC will be played at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA. Kickoff is set for 1:30 pm immediately following the women's game.