SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The John Brown University's men's soccer team secured a resounding 3-1 victory over Southwestern (Kan.) on Saturday night at Alumni Field, enjoying its home pitch for the first time in the 2024 season.
Also with the win, first-year head coach Samuel Estrada picked up his first collegiate victory.
The Golden Eagles (1-0-1) wasted no time gaining control over the match. Just six minutes in, senior Alonso Arrieta unleashed a wicked strike from 35 yards out. The shot ricocheted off the crossbar, caromed off the goalkeeper's back, and found its way into the net, giving JBU an early 1-0 lead.
JBU struck early in the second half as well. In the 49th minute, sophomore Atim Roper capitalized on a rebound opportunity, burying a rebound from close range off an Arrieta shot to extend JBU's lead to 2-0.
Despite Southwestern (0-1-0) managing to pull one goal back in the 58th minute, the Golden Eagles never relinquished its grip on the match.
The final blow came in the 81st minute when freshman Marcos Miranda delivered a clinical finish from just three yards away for his first collegiate goal. Freshman Alejandro Gallardo and Amaury Jarry combined to set up Miranda's goal, with a precise cross from the right flank finding Gallardo unmarked in the box, who tipped the ball to Miranda for a rip into the empty goal, sealing the victory for JBU and put the final score at 3-1.
Throughout the game, the Golden Eagles dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, highlighted by a 24-5 shooting advantage. Sophomore goalkeeper Adam Tebbs needed just one save to earn his first win of the season.
Senior Erick Diaz led the team with six shots, while Gallardo contributed five shots and an assist.
The Golden Eagles look to maintain its season-opening two-match unbeaten streak as they face McPherson (Kan.) in the 2024 First Friday Futbol match. The sides are set to battle on Friday evening (Aug. 30) at 7:30 p.m. at Alumni Field, streaming live on the SAC Sports Network.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding JBU Athletics by following the Golden Eagles on Twitter (@JBUathletics), Instagram (@JBUathletics) and Facebook (/JBUathletics). Catch every Golden Eagle home game and select away games on the SAC Sports Network, available online or for download on your favorite streaming device.
