SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Despite its full arsenal of talent not available for the season opener, the John Brown University men's soccer team battled No. 8 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) to a 1-0 score on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 21) at Alumni Field.
The visiting Pioneers took a 1-0 lead just five minutes before the half and survived multiple Golden Eagle (0-1-0) chances to level the match in the second half to escape Siloam Springs with its first win in Northwest Arkansas since 2013.
Antonio Mugica, a threat all afternoon long, buried a one-touch strike just yards away from senior Adam Tebbs in the 40th minute off a sublime combination passing play from the middle to the right wing from Tom Chartier and Caleb Brueckner.
Freshman Ransford Okyere and sophomore Alejandro Gallardo had the MNU back line completely disoriented and keeper Tobias Stirl out of position midway through the second period, but the Blue and Gold were unable to send a strike to the back of goal, keeping the score 1-0.
Then in the 79th minute, Gallardo drew a foul deep in the box (dangerous kick), setting up a chance for the hosts to match the Pioneers at one from the penalty spot. The ensuing opportunity sailed over the crossbar, keeping the visitors' lead in tact.
Senior Adam Tebbs (0-1-0) took the loss in goal, making one save on two chances, while sophomore Juan Almanza made his debut in the Blue and Gold in the second half, and made one save in incredible fashion. Almanza came out to challenge Mugica in a one-versus-one chance, and the sophomore snapped his left hand out at the final moment to deflect the sure goal wide.
Sophomore Marcos Miranda, Gallardo and junior Atim Roper each led John Brown with a pair of shots. Mugica led all players on the pitch with three attempts on goal.
The non-conference gauntlet continues for the Golden Eagles, and they will travel to Bartlesville, Okla. on Monday evening (Aug. 25) to take on No. 5 Oklahoma Wesleyan at 6 p.m. JBU is 12-7-1 all-time at the OKWU Soccer Complex, dating back to 1981.
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