SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- After missing the 2025 season, senior Marco Brizuela returned to the pitch in a big way, netting a game-winning shot from the spot late in the second half, helping launch the No. 17 John Brown University men's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Benedictine (Kan.) on a sweltering Thursday afternoon (Aug. 20) at Alumni Field.
Senior Gabriel Cabrera opened the scoring early in JBU's 49th season of intercollegiate soccer, breaking through on a gorgeous play at the back post that culminated in a rip into the goal just feet away.
Benedictine leveled the match just 12 minutes later on a wicked curling shot from just outside the box, but wasn't able to mount much offense after that.
The John Brown (1-0-0) back line kept the visiting Ravens from recording any more shots on frame, as the tandem of junior Juan Almanza and freshman Parker Ross combined for the clean sheet – with Ross picking up his first collegiate victory.
Alongside the result, head coach Ryan Williams '19 picked up his first collegiate victory as manager of the Golden Eagles.
Senior Amaury Jarry started the counter attack upfield in the 12th minute and, after beating a defender, sent a curving cross to the back post, which was kept in play by the head of senior Jorge Cervantes back into a dangerous spot just yards from goal. Sophomore Constantin Bauer ripped a one-time shot off the near left post, allowing Cabrera to clean up the loose ball in front of goal, placing the hosts on the front foot.
The Ravens (0-1-0) responded in the 24th minute when Kody Argaez's 35-yard shot cleared the Golden Eagle back line and curled into the near left post to equalize midway through the first half.
Both teams then went without a shot for nearly 20 minutes as halftime loomed.
The offenses picked up from both sides as the second 45 minutes featured a combined 13 shot attempts, but it wasn't until sophomore Ignacio Coto's cross from the left side of the box deflected off a Raven arm, setting up Brizuela for the game-winner.
JBU out-shot the visitors by a 14-8 margin, including a 6-1 difference in attempts on target. The hosts took six of the 10 corner kicks earned in the contest, and the sides combined for 44 fouls and six cautions.
Noah Reuscher stopped four of the Blue and Gold's six attempts on goal, and absorbed the loss in goal for Benedictine.
John Brown will now rest for eight days until it welcomes Mission (Mo.) to Alumni Field on Friday night (Aug. 28) for First Friday Futbol festivities. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., live on the Urban Edge Network and the SAC Sports Network.
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