SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The Golden Eagles struck twice in a span of 11 minutes in the second half, including freshman Alejandro Gallardo's header in the 69th minute, to lift the John Brown University men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Nelson (Texas) on Saturday night (Oct. 19) at Alumni Field.
The Golden Eagles, spurred on by two goals finished close to goal, continued to hold sole possession of second place in the Sooner Athletic table, improving to 5-1-0 and 8-1-4 overall, joining Mid-America Christian (Okla.) as the only two programs with five wins through six league fixtures.
After a cagey first half, John Brown broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Senior Erick Diaz and freshman Kendal Madrigal teamed up to serve a cross in from the right flank into the box, where freshman Marcos Miranda took full advantage. Miranda beat Lion goalkeeper Leonel Cuellar from close range to notch his fifth goal of the season and put the hosts ahead 1-0.
The Blue and Gold doubled its lead soon after in similar fashion to its first goal. In the 69th minute, Madrigal delivered an perfect cross again from the right flank that found Gallardo beating his mark in the air and flicking on to the far left post his eighth goal of the season. It would also stand as his third game-winner of 2024.
The Lions responded almost immediately, clawing one back in the 72nd minute. Nathanael Zozaya, taking advantage of a defensive lapse, fired home after a clever assist from Jafet Ramirez. Despite the late push, the John Brown defense returned to form, allowing just one Nelson shot attempt over the final 18 minutes of play.
The Golden Eagles controlled much of the match, peppering the Lions with 26 shots, 11 of which were on target. Nelson managed just six shots in return, with only three troubling senior Kyle Hix (4-1-3), who finished with two saves. Despite Hix's quiet second half, his early save in the 15th minute on Nathanael Zozoya proved crucial in maintaining JBU's edge.
Nelson's goalkeeping duo had their hands full throughout the night. Cuellar, who was replaced in the 67th minute, made five saves, while Michael Smith was called into action with four more stops in the final stretch.
As John Brown continues its run through the SAC table, the Golden Eagles will look to build on its fourth one-goal win when JBU hits the road to face Wayland Baptist (Texas) and Oklahoma Panhandle State this weekend, Thursday (Oct. 24) and Saturday, respectively. The Blue and Gold will take on the Pioneers at J.V. Hilliard Field first at 7:30 p.m. Both matches are slated to be carried live via the SAC Sports Network.
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