OLATHE, Kan. -- Limited to 10 players just 20 minutes into the match, the Golden Eagles still managed to score first and hold the defending national champions to just one goal as the John Brown University men's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw with No. 1 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) at Pioneer Field on Tuesday night (Aug. 20).
"I am very proud of the whole team," head coach Samuel Estrada said after his first outing as JBU bench boss. "It was definitely a group effort and it is encouraging to see results of all the hard work from our 26 players this short preseason. We are excited about our next match and look forward to improve each game."
Senior Alejandro Ramirez opened the scoring just 16 minutes into the match, finishing a fantastic through ball from senior Tomas Perrachon in a valiant effort. Perrachon's ball split the MidAmerica Nazarene (0-0-1) defense and sprung Ramirez, who bolted through the line and dribbled around the keeper and emptied the shot into the awning goal as his lost his balance.
Almost five minutes later, however, the Pioneers level the game at one apiece when the Golden Eagles were called for a hand ball in the box – preventing a goal, but earning an ejection – but conceding a penalty kick. Rick Hovinga converted at the spot, shooting upper right in an unstoppable attempt.
While the Golden Eagles (0-0-1) were out-shot 18-10 on the afternoon, the visitors boasted arguably the most impressive goal-scoring chance in the second half, off an MNU miscue. A lost 50-50 ball was pounced on by Ramirez and he took off down the right flank with just 10 minutes remaining in the match. He then sent a pass to the back post, which senior Erick Diaz nearly scored, but the rocket shot boomed off the crossbar, keeping the sides level at one apiece.
John Brown saw action from both keepers in the match, with redshirt sophomore Adam Tebbs making the start and sporting two saves in the first half. Senior Kyle Hix entered the match at halftime in relief, notching another pair of saves in the combined effort – including a nice save from a 30-yard free kick that was destined for the bottom left corner of goal.
The Golden Eagles improved to 1-2-1 all-time in Olathe in its first visit in seven seasons. In 2017, Ryan Williams '19 converted a penalty kick in the 87th minute, which sent JBU to a 2-1 upset win at No. 3 MidAmerica Nazarene.
Golden Eagles Alejandro Gallardo and Marcos Caballero made their collegiate debuts, with Gallardo racking up 82 minutes of action.
Armed with a huge draw, John Brown makes its way to the friendly confines of Alumni Field for its 2024 home debut, scheduled for Saturday evening (Aug. 24) at 5:30 p.m. when the Golden Eagles welcome Southwestern (Kan.). JBU is 2-0-0 all-time against the Moundbuilders, with both wins coming in the last two seasons by a combined score of 10-1.
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