McPHERSON, Kan. -- A 14th-minute goal from Moritz Bienmuller proved enough as the No. 8 John Brown University men's soccer team fell 1-0 to Central Christian (Kan.) on Tuesday evening (Oct. 6) at the CCCK Soccer Field.
John Brown (7-2-1, 3-1-0 Sooner Athletic) controlled much of the statistical balance, finishing with a 15-7 advantage in shots and generating all seven corner kicks, but was held scoreless for just the second time this season. The result also snapped Central Christian's five-match losing skid against the Golden Eagles.
Bienmuller supplied the only breakthrough at 13:55, putting Central Christian (4-5-2, 1-2-1) in front with his third goal of the season – a 25-yard strike that found the top-left corner of goal from distance.
The Tigers created two more dangerous first-half chances after taking the lead, but junior goalkeeper Juan Almanza denied Braydon Frederick in the 16th minute before the Golden Eagles began finding more of the ball going forward.
JBU generated six first-half attempts but managed only one on frame. Senior Amaury Jarry produced that chance in the 39th minute, forcing Martin Restrepo into a save as Central Christian carried its 1-0 advantage into the break.
Freshman Jaksa Pantic tested Restrepo three separate times over the final 45 minutes, but the Central Christian keeper turned away each attempt. JBU's best opportunity to draw level came in the 73rd minute when freshman Ignacio Abarca struck the crossbar.
The Golden Eagles continued pushing through the closing stages, generating five second-half corners and nine shots while holding the Tigers to just two attempts after halftime. Pantic forced another stop in the 80th minute before senior Gabriel Cabrera sent JBU's final attempt high in the 88th.
Pantic finished with a team-high four shots, placing three on frame, while senior Jorge Cervantes also generated four attempts. Cabrera added two shots as John Brown put four of its 15 attempts on target.
Almanza (5-2-1) made three saves in the loss, allowing only Bienmuller's first-half strike. Restrepo stopped all four shots he faced to secure the shutout for the host side.
A second consecutive road test awaits John Brown on Saturday (Oct. 10), when the Golden Eagles visit rival Mid-America Christian (Okla.) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Dill Field. The contest will air live on the Urban Edge Network and SAC Sports Network.
The Blue and Gold will eye its first win at Dill Field since 2016, having dropped its last six outings in Oklahoma City.
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