BETHANY, Okla. -- First-half goals from seniors Erick Diaz and Alejandro Ramirez lifted the John Brown University men's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Southwestern Christian (Okla.) at Cagle Family Field on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 1), extending the unbeaten streak to nine.
Diaz opened the scoring in the 20th minute, taking advantage of a well-executed passing sequence between Marco Brizuela and Alejandro Gallardo. The play unlocked the Eagles' defense, allowing Diaz to slot home his second consecutive strike of the season from 22 yards into the bottom right corner of goal.
Southwestern Christian (4-4-0, 0-2-0 SAC) responded just ten minutes later when Teejay Chiororo netted an equalizer off a ball from Alex Sainz, briefly leveling the match at 1-1.
The Golden Eagles wasted no time reclaiming the lead. Just two minutes later, Diaz delivered a well-placed corner kick to the back post, which junior Steven Cisneros skillfully redirected into the box, setting up Ramirez for a close-range finish in the 32nd minute. Ramirez's composed strike, his second goal of the season, restored JBU's advantage, and the Golden Eagles held on to the 2-1 lead heading into the intermission.
Despite a scoreless second half, JBU's defense was tested as Southwestern Christian applied heavy pressure. The hosts generated nine total shots and earned 14 corner kicks, but sophomore Adam Tebbs stood tall, making four critical saves, including two in each half. Tebbs, now 3-0-1 on the season, helped maintain the slim advantage as the Golden Eagles' backline fought to keep the Eagles to the outside and at bay.
Diaz, Brizuela and Cisneros have now recorded points in back-to-back contests.
Southwestern Christian outshot John Brown 9-5 and held a significant advantage in corner kicks, 14-2. However, the Golden Eagles made the most of their opportunities, potting two of its three shots on goal, while allowing SCU five. JBU's defense, along with the timely saves from Tebbs, proved to be the difference as Southwestern Christian struggled to capitalize on their greater attacking opportunities.
John Brown will look to continue its unbeaten run when they return home to Alumni Field to host Science & Arts (Okla.) on Saturday (Oct. 5) afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live on the SAC Sports Network.
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