Xavier recognized after game-winning goal

On the heels of his game-winning, double-overtime goal that helped knock off 12^th-ranked John Brown University, Wayland Baptist's Yago Xavier has been named Sooner Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week.
 
Xavier, a 5-foot-11 junior forward from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scored goals in both Wayland matches last week, a 5-1 win over Bacone (Okla.) and a 4-3 double-OT victory over John Brown (Ark.). Xavier also recorded an assist against Bacone, giving him five points for the week.
 
It's the first time this season a Pioneer has been honored with the award. WBU goalkeeper Joao Souza twice has been named SAC Defensive Player of the Week.
 
Saturday's win over John Brown puts Wayland (10-3-2, 6-0-1 SAC) in the driver's seat for claiming its first-ever outright conference championship. The Pioneers can make that claim by winning its final two regular-season matches, although both will be tough road contests against teams receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25.
 
Wayland first travels to Bethany, Okla., to take on Southwestern Christian (10-3-2, 4-1-2), ranked the equivalent of 36^th, at 3 p.m. Tuesday before heading to Oklahoma City University (11-3-1, 5-1-1) to face the Stars, who are ranked the equivalent of 29^th, at 5 p.m. Saturday. The Pioneers have beaten OCU just once in seven all-time meetings (1-5-1), and they've never defeated Southwestern Christian (0-2-3).