Box Score OKLAHOMA CITY – Wayland Baptist jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but Mid-America Christian rallied to tie it before winning 3-2 in overtime in Sooner Athletic Conference men's soccer action here Thursday.
It was the first loss to an NAIA team this season for the Pioneers (9-3-1 overall, 3-1-1 SAC).
Wayland led 2-0 at halftime after goals by
Vitalis Atemafac in the 27th minute and by
Jevaughn Vance, with an assist by Atemafac, 10 minutes later.
“We were in complete control of the tempo and chances,” Wayland coach
Jamath Shoffner said.
But the Evangels (8-4-1, 2-1-1) hung around, finally scoring their first goal in the 64th minute on a deflection off of WBU keeper
John-Ramses Thomas. MACU's Andrew Webster then tied it with less than four minutes left in regulation.
“Mid-America played a good second half and fought their way back in it,” Shoffner said.
In the extra period, Webster, a senior from Liverpool, England, struck again on a ball that deflected off of the post 9½ minutes into bonus time to win it.
Afterwards, Posey was lamenting missed opportunities to put MACU away.
“We probably missed five one-on-one chances with the goalkeeper ,” the Pioneer coach said. “We are young and mentally have to get better and close out leads when the game is in control.”
Wayland took 18 shots, 11 on goal, compared to MACU's 17 shots, including 10 on goal. Thomas and his Evangels counterpart, Tyler McIntosh, had eight saves apiece. Javier Perry took four shots, two on goal, to lead WBU. Atemafac and Vance also had two shots on goal each.
“Hopefully this is a wake-up call for us,” Shoffner said.
The Pioneers, in second place in the SAC standings, next face Oklahoma City University at 3 p.m. Saturday in OKC. The Stars (6-4-3, 1-3) took on Lubbock Christian on Thursday night.
Wayland ends the regular-season with a pair of home matches, against Science and Arts of Oklahoma at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 then at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 against Lubbock Christian.
