SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Led by a clinical hat trick from freshman Alejandro Gallardo, his second of the season, John Brown University men's soccer opened league action with a commanding 7-3 victory over Texas Wesleyan at Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 28).
Gallardo's three-goal performance set the tone for a dominant offensive display that saw JBU maintain its season-opening eight-match unbeaten streak that featured 17 shots on goal, forcing the Rams' goalkeepers into 10 saves, combined. In addition to Gallardo's heroics, junior Marco Brizuela had a standout performance, netting two goals and providing one assist. Seniors Erick Diaz and Alonso Arrieta each recorded a goal and two assists, showcasing the depth of JBU's attacking options.
The home side wasted no time asserting dominance, with Gallardo opening the scoring just 4:40 into the match. Assisted by junior Steven Cisneros from the left flank, Gallardo's first goal marked his fourth of the season, giving the Golden Eagles an early 1-0 lead.
The attacking onslaught continued when Brizuela doubled the advantage in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a free ball in the box after the Wesleyan defense blocked a Diaz free kick effort to net his first goal of the year.
Despite conceding a penalty kick converted by TXWES' Mathis Guffroy in the 16th minute, JBU responded swiftly. Brizuela's second goal of the game came just two minutes later with a dream header assisted by Arrieta and sophomore Kendal Madrigal, restoring a two-goal cushion for the Golden Eagles. Gallardo struck again in the 18th minute, this time with an assist from Brizuela, to make it 4-1.
Arrieta followed with a goal of his own at the 20:15 mark, assisted by Diaz, pushing JBU's lead to 5-1 before the break.
Gallardo completed his hat trick early in the second half with a clinical finish at the back post in the 49th minute, extending the lead to 6-1. The senior forward's third goal was set up by a combination of passes from Cisneros and Arrieta, bringing his season total to six goals.
The Golden Eagles added one more goal in the 57th minute when Diaz found the back of the net with a cheeky flick from a tough angle, making it 7-1 and putting the match out of reach for Texas Wesleyan. Diaz finished the match with a goal and two assists, contributing to JBU's overwhelming offensive firepower.
Texas Wesleyan managed two consolation goals in the second half. Chandler Brookins scored in the 70th minute off an assist from Matteo Todorovic, and Thomas Kerr added a late goal in the 86th minute, assisted by Brookins and Fabricio Martinez, bringing the final score to 7-3.
JBU's defense, led by senior Kyle Hix (2-0-3), withstood 11 shots from Texas Wesleyan, conceding three goals while Hix made two second-half saves. The Golden Eagles' backline effectively limited TXWES' offensive threats, allowing only five shots on goal throughout the match.
TXWES goalkeeper Alex Tonietto faced 22 shots from the JBU attack, recording nine saves but struggling to contain the Golden Eagles' relentless offensive pressure. He was relived by Jesus Diaz with 20 minutes remaining.
Already down 4-1, Texas Wesleyan (6-4-0, 0-1-0 ) was hampered by a red card in the first half when Francisco Navarrete was ejected in the 20th minute. Playing with 10 men for the majority of the match, TXWES struggled to keep pace with JBU's potent offense.
John Brown hopes to carry the momentum into its first SAC fixture away from Alumni Field when the Golden Eagles travel to Bethany, Okla. to take on Southwestern Christian on October 1 at 3 p.m. The SAC Sports Network will carry all the action live from Cagle Family Field.
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.
