FULTON, Mo. -- Senior Erick Diaz opened the scoring to give the Golden Eagles an early 1-0 lead, but three consecutive concessions – including an own goal – allowed William Woods (Mo.) to roar back and hand the John Brown University men's soccer team a 3-2 loss on Saturday (Sept. 16) evening at Firley Field.
Although the Golden Eagles (3-3-0) out-shot Woods by a healthy 22-7 margin and enjoyed a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks, the visiting side allowed consecutive goals just 26 seconds apart shortly after halftime. After starting out the season undefeated through three home matches, JBU has fallen in one-goal outings on the road in three consecutive opportunities.
Tragedy struck in the 68th minute when the Golden Eagles deflected a through ball into its own goal, widening the deficit to 3-1 with 22:50 left in the match.
Freshman Atim Roper scored his first collegiate goal in the 87th minute after senior Alonso Arrieta's long ball over the Owls back line found Roper in all alone with WWU keeper Wil Rieves. Roper settled the pass and struck a low shot past Rieves to cut the lead to one.
John Brown couldn't level the match in the remaining minutes.
Diaz opened the scoring when senior Christian Marroquin played him through the back line. Perfectly in stride, Diaz bested Rieves for his second goal of the season.
Junior Kyle Hix (3-2-0) made one save on four chances, while Rieves countered with seven saves on nine John Brown shots on frame.
John Brown closes the weekend with a Monday (Sept. 18) night showdown with No. 15 Columbia (Mo.) at R. Marvin Owens Field. The match is slated to begin at 7:05 p.m.
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