OKLAHOMA CITY -- The No. 8 John Brown University men's soccer team carried a one-goal advantage into the final nine minutes, but No. 19 Mid-America Christian (Okla.) struck twice late to hand the Golden Eagles a 2-1 defeat on Saturday evening (Oct. 10) at Dill Field.
John Brown controlled the advantage deep into the second half after senior Marco Brizuela converted from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, but the match swung abruptly over the closing nine minutes. Junior goalkeeper Juan Almanza stopped a Mid-America Christian penalty in the 81st minute, only for the Evangels to equalize 31 seconds later before completing the comeback with the winner in the 89th.
The Blue and Gold (7-3-1, 3-2-0 Sooner Athletic) suffered its second consecutive loss and fell to 2-2-0 against nationally ranked opponents this season. The setback also marked JBU's seventh straight loss at Dill Field.
After a scoreless opening half, Brizuela put the Golden Eagles in front from the penalty spot in the 60th minute. Junior Alejandro Gallardo, who had re-entered the match four minutes earlier, was taken down inside the penalty area to earn the opportunity before Brizuela converted for his third of the season.
JBU protected the advantage for more than 20 minutes, and junior goalkeeper Juan Almanza appeared to preserve it when Mid-America Christian was awarded a penalty in the 81st minute.
Almanza turned aside Leonardo Leitao's attempt, but the reprieve lasted only 31 seconds.
The ensuing pressure kept the ball alive inside the penalty area, where it caromed through traffic before Leitao poked the loose ball into the right corner from close range in the 82nd minute to pull the Evangels level.
Mid-America Christian (11-1-2, 4-0-1) completed the turnaround in the 89th minute. Daniel Gallagher carried the attack up the right flank before sending a ball into the middle, where Vito Callaci got in front of goal and redirected the service between Almanza's legs for the eventual game-winner.
The late reversal followed a tightly contested opening half in which neither side generated much separation. John Brown held a 4-3 edge in shots before halftime, with senior Jorge Cervantes forcing Julian Huertas into the only save of the period in the 24th minute.
The Golden Eagles opened the second half with more attacking intent. Senior Gabriel Cabrera sent an attempt high less than a minute after the restart before Brizuela tested Huertas in the 52nd minute, setting the stage for Gallardo to earn the penalty shortly afterward.
JBU continued to search for a second goal after taking the lead, but its best opportunities were limited. Freshman Ignacio Abarca headed high off a corner in the 63rd minute, while Cervantes had another effort blocked five minutes later.
Mid-America Christian began generating more sustained pressure over the closing stages, producing eight of its 11 shots after halftime. Almanza denied Necsar Rojas in the 79th minute before stopping Leitao's penalty two minutes later, but the Evangels ultimately broke through twice over the final nine minutes.
The teams finished nearly even statistically, with Mid-America Christian holding an 11-10 edge in total shots and a 4-3 advantage in attempts on goal. John Brown generated four corners to the Evangels' three.
Brizuela placed both of his shots on frame and supplied JBU's lone goal, while Cervantes generated a team-high three attempts. Almanza (5-3-1) finished with two saves in the loss, including the penalty stop.
After back-to-back road setbacks, the Golden Eagles return to Alumni Field on Saturday (Oct. 17) for a 6:30 p.m. meeting with Nelson (Texas). Coverage from Siloam Springs will be carried live by the Urban Edge Network and SAC Sports Network.
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