OKLAHOMA CITY -- The John Brown University men's soccer team's historic season-opening unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday night (Oct. 8) as the Golden Eagles fell 3-0 to No. 12 Mid-America Christian (Okla.) at Dill Field.
The loss snaps the Golden Eagles' 10-match unbeaten streak and marks its first defeat of the season.
With the result, JBU (6-1-4, 3-1-0 Sooner Athletic) continues to sit near the top of the conference standings, but struggled to find the back of the net against a disciplined Mid-America Christian defense. Despite creating seven shots, including two on target, the Golden Eagles were unable to beat MACU goalkeeper Claudio Fuentealba, who recorded two saves in the shutout victory.
The match remained tightly contested through the first half, with neither team able to break through. However, Mid-America Christian (8-1-3, 3-0-1 SAC) took control early in the second half.
In the 53rd minute, Enzo Nogue found the back of the net unassisted, converting his seventh goal of the season to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, the Evangels extended the host side's advantage when Nicolas Cervantes calmly converted a penalty kick for his first goal of the season, pushing the lead to 2-0.
Mid-America Christian sealed the win in the 61st minute when Federico Palacios scored, with helpers coming from Tony Ngombi and Josh Macklin, securing the final 3-0 margin.
Senior Kyle Hix (3-1-3) faced four shots on target, making one save while conceding three. On the offensive end, the Golden Eagles' best opportunities came from Marco Brizuela and Erick Diaz, who both tested the MACU goalkeeper with shots on target. However, JBU struggled to capitalize on their chances–including a pair of corner kicks–as the MACU defense held firm.
John Brown will search for a bounce-back effort after a week of rest, returning to action on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 15) when it takes on Central Christian (Kan.) at 5:30 p.m. in McPherson. The battle will be streamed live via the SAC Sports Network.
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