McPHERSON, Kan. -- Senior Erick Diaz's decisive goal in the 74th minute, the only goal of the second half, lifted the John Brown University men's soccer team to a 3-2 comeback victory over Central Christian (Kan.) at CCCK Soccer Field on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 15).
With the victory, JBU (7-1-4, 4-1-0 SAC) joins Mid-America Christian (Okla.) as the only two sides with four victories through the first five league matches, overcoming a first-half deficit to secure all three points.
Diaz, scoring his fourth goal of the season, provided the game-winner in the 74th minute. After a long pass downfield from senior Tomas Perrachon, Diaz coolly chipped the oncoming Tiger keeper to put the Golden Eagles ahead for good. His goal marked the only scoring in a tense second half, sealing the result for JBU.
John Brown had taken the lead first in the 24th minute, when Perrachon opened the scoring off an assist from Alonso Arrieta, giving JBU a 1-0 advantage. However, Central Christian (5-3-2, 1-3-1 SAC) quickly responded, with Johnny Rodriguez finding the equalizer in the 27th minute, assisted by Marco Cherchi.
The Tigers then grabbed the lead in the 40th minute via Adrian Garcia, assisted by Drew Schrader, making it 2-1 in favor of the hosts. However, the Golden Eagles' leading scorer freshman Alejandro Gallardo brought the visitors level once again with his seventh goal of the season just before halftime, scoring unassisted in the 45th minute.
The second half saw both teams creating chances, but it was Diaz's strike in the 74th minute that proved to be the difference. JBU outshot Central Christian 17-10, with eight shots on target compared to the Tigers' five. The Golden Eagles also earned five corner kicks while limiting Central Christian to just one.
In goal, Adam Tebbs (4-0-1) made three saves to secure the victory, while CCCK's Timothy Foster (4-4-1) recorded five saves but could not prevent JBU's late surge.
John Brown will return to action on Saturday (Oct. 19), hosting Nelson (Texas) at Alumni Field for Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on the SAC Sports Network.
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