Men's Soccer Ousted by USAO 2-1

CHICKASHA, OKLA. (Sept. 4, 2023) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men's soccer team lost 2-1 to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) after a late goal by the Drovers. The Saints fall to 0-2 on the season while the Drovers improve to 3-1-2.

Head Coach Shane Hurley commented, "Our energy did not consistently match USAO's. When our energy matched, we were able to equalize through that work rate. It is encouraging to see that we are willing to commit to battling back, but we must be better defensively as we are not putting away some clear opportunities. We must improve at grinding out a game collectively."

History

The Saints were 2-4 against the Drovers prior to the game.

Basics

The Saints held the Drovers scoreless in the first half after seven saves by Dominic Pena. The Drovers had nine shots and two corner kicks but failed to score. The Drovers took the lead two minutes after halftime with a goal from Justin Croke. Croke has scored five goals in the first six matchups of the season. Senior Samuel Villegas scored the equalizer in the 69th minute for the Saints. USAO regained the lead in the 77th minute and held on to win 2-1. Pena finished with nine saves and played all 90 minutes.

Scoring overview

47' – USAO – Justin Croke (assisted by Leonardo Schneider)

69' – OLLU – Samuel Villegas

77' – USAO – Matija Malenovic (assisted by Dani Suarez)

Inside the box score

Villegas had two shots on goal for the Saints. The Drovers were led by Croke with four shots on goal.

Overall, the Saints tallied 11 shots, with five on goal. USAO marked 15 shots with 11 on goal.

OLLU recorded one corner kick and the Drovers took three.

What's next

The Saints play the first home game of 2023 against Wayland Baptist University on Sept. 9 at 3 p.m.