Buena Vista University

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Sept. 15, 2026) - Sophomore Raymond Hernandez scored his first two career goals but it wouldn't be quite enough for the Buena Vista men's soccer team on Wednesday evening, as the Eagles scored the eventual game-winner midway through the second half to edge the Beavers, 3-2.

Hernandez wasted little time putting BVU in front as he came up with what appeared to be a deflected ball off a pass attempt from Zackary Jakobitz on the far sideline. The ball landed at the feet of Hernandez who took one dribble and drilled it past a diving keeper from 15 yards out. The goal was the first in Hernandez's young career. 

The Eagles eventually broke through with 13 minutes remaining in the opening half by converting a penalty kick attempt. That goal was one of only three shots in the half. The shots were nearly even as the Beavers tallied only four.

UNW-SP took its first lead just minutes into the second half when Josiah Mezey chalked up his second goal of the game. That's how things stood until Hernandez came up clutch for the second time in the match by scoring his second goal early in the 62' off the first career assist from Jameson Breitzman and pull even at 2-2.

The two teams appeared headed for a draw until the Eagles broke the tie with under 19 to go when Mezey completed his hat trick on an unassisted goal.

Hernandez finished the day with three total shots, including both goals. Four other players tallied one shot for the Beavers, including Kenin Kapich, who recorded the team's only other shot-on-goal.

UNW-SP (2-4-0) finished the match with 12 total shots (nine on-goal) while BVU tallied seven (three on-goal).

Junior Alexis Sanabia went the distance in-goal and chalked up four saves.

Buena Vista is now 0-3-3 on the year and returns home on Saturday, Sept. 19 to host UW-River Falls in a match that is scheduled to kickoff at 3 p.m.