SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The John Brown University men's soccer team secured a spot in the Sooner Athletic Conference semifinal round with a gritty 2-1 win over Science & Arts (Okla.) on Wednesday night (Nov. 6) at Alumni Field, powered by Ahmed Abess' game-winning goal in the 75th minute.
The win over the Drovers (6-8-4) is the second of the season for John Brown as the host side improved to 7-0-3 at the friendly confines of Alumni Field in 2024.
The Golden Eagles (11-1-5) established an early lead in the 9th minute when senior Ethan Wessman netted his first goal of the season, scoring unassisted to put JBU up 1-0. Intercepting a play up the midfield, Wessman dispossessed a Drover, turned, and ripped a 30-yard blast just under the crossbar for a 1-0 JBU lead.
Both teams pressed throughout the first half, creating opportunities but unable to convert further. John Brown enjoyed a 9-6 shooting advantage in the first half, and even played a man up for the final four minutes after USAO earned its first red of the match.
The visitors were reduced even further, playing with only nine men after a second red in the 73rd minute. Despite being shorthanded, Science & Arts responded in the 74th minute with an equalizer, as Dani Suarez successfully converted a penalty kick to level the match at one apiece.
Just 58 seconds after conceding the goal, John Brown found the answer needed when Abess struck with a strike to the left pocked of goal, reclaiming the lead for the Golden Eagles and securing its advancement in the SAC tournament. A failed clearance from the Drover defense allowed Abess to gain possession in a lethal area, and he made no mistake by launching a screamer from 12 yards away from goal. It was his second goal in four matches.
The Drovers asked a few more questions prior to the end of the match, but John Brown continued to pepper the USAO goal, accumulating a 13-7 shooting advantage in the final 45.
JBU's offense proved relentless, amassing 22 total shots, with 10 on target. The Golden Eagles consistently pressed into Science & Arts' half, while maintaining a solid defensive stance to counter advances from the Drovers. Sophomore Adam Tebbs (6-0-2) made one first-half save, helping to maintain the then 1-0 host advantage.
With the win, the Golden Eagles advance to welcome Oklahoma City to Alumni Field in the SAC tournament for a second consecutive season. Last year, the Stars upset John Brown 1-0 in the quarterfinal round, while just over a week ago, the sides battled to a 2-2 draw in Siloam Springs.
The semifinal round is scheduled for Saturday evening (Nov. 9) at 7 p.m. Fans can catch the match live on the SAC Sports Network.
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