Match Forfeited
BETHANY, Okla.— In its next-to-last regular-season match of the season, the Wayland Baptist men's soccer team suffered its first hiccup in Sooner Athletic Conference play Tuesday afternoon on a late goal by Southwestern Christian, 1-0.
The Pioneers (10-4-2, 6-1-1 SAC), who are the equivalent of 27th in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 that was released earlier in the day, went into the match undefeated in conference play and fresh off their biggest win of the season Tuesday against then-No.12 John Brown, 4-3 in double-overtime. JBU slipped to No. 18 following its first conference setback.
Although the Pioneers dominated on shots (18-7) and targets on goal (7-4) against Southwestern Christian, it was a boot from Eagle Igor Stojanovic in the 81st minute that gave SCU (11-3-2, 5-1-2) the lead and victory. It was Stojanovic's seventh goal of the season and was assisted by Javier Verdu.
The Pioneers'
Guillermo Deal and
Gian Scalise led the team in shots with five each, Deal with two on goal and Scalise with one. Goalkeeper
Luke Holt saved two goals.
The Pioneers finish the regular-season at 5 p.m. Saturday against Oklahoma City. The Stars (11-3-1, 5-1-1), who are the equivalent of 37th, hosted Science and Arts of Oklahoma later Tuesday.
Despite Tuesday's loss, WBU still controls its own destiny but must win Saturday to claim the SAC championship outright for the first time in program history and have home-field advantage in the conference tournament. The Pioneers lead the conference by a half-game over Southwestern Christian, Oklahoma City and John Brown. For conference standings go to
http://www.soonerathletic.org/sport/14/1.php.
