JACKSON, Miss. — Ricardo Flores scored the opening goal and assisted on the second as Belhaven beat LaGrange 2-0 Saturday at Belhaven Bowl Stadium. The Blazers improved to 5-4-1 overall and 1-0 in the CCS.
LaGrange created early chances, but Justin Ramirez made three saves in the first 14 minutes, including back-to-back stops from Jacob Sagstuen and one from Olufunmilayo Said. Belhaven then gained control, with Ciaran Colvin forcing a save in the third minute and multiple attempts from Courtland Williams, Isaiah Tye, and Wyatt Dupre.
Flores tested LaGrange goalkeeper Braeden Hayes in the 30th minute before breaking through at 31:39 to give Belhaven the lead. Ramirez made another save eight minutes later to preserve the 1-0 halftime advantage.
In the second half, Belhaven maintained pressure. Williams and Miguel Magagnin had shots early, Diego Sarzalejo forced a save in the 57th minute, and Dupre tested Hayes again in the 63rd. LaGrange pushed for an equalizer, but Ramirez stopped Sagstuen’s shot in the 76th minute for his fifth save.
The Blazers put the game away at 80:51 when Flores created the chance and Adrian Sanchez finished it for his fifth goal of the season, making it 2-0. Belhaven outshot LaGrange 19-11 overall, with a 12-5 advantage in the second half. The team placed eight shots on goal while holding the Panthers to five. Both teams earned three corner kicks.
Williams led Belhaven with five shots, while Dupre added three. Flores finished with two shots, two attempts on goal, a goal, and an assist. Ramirez played all 90 minutes and made five saves, earning his second shutout of the season. The Blazers have outscored opponents 20-4 during their five-match winning streak.
Belhaven returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 29, hosting Millsaps at Belhaven Bowl Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. For updates on Belhaven athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram and like the team’s Facebook page.
