Box Score
Coach Cristhian Ospina and the Wayland Baptist men's soccer team went into Saturday's matchup against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma undefeated in Sooner Athletic Conference play. After two extra periods against the Drovers at Hilliard Field, the Pioneers remained unbeaten in conference, having battled USAO to a scoreless tie.
In a contest Ospina described as "the biggest game of the season so far," both teams had multiple chances to put points on the board. WBU (7-3-2, 3-0-1 SAC) led in shots, 15-8, and five of those were on-goal compared to just one from USAO (6-5-1, 2-1-1).
With all of the strikes taken by the Pioneers, Ospina's only issue was one didn't reach the back of the net.
"We played great defensively, but we should have scored," he said. "That would have given us the game. I'm glad we didn't lose, but we should've won the game. This was a chance we let pass."
Ospina believed USAO's style of play gave the Pioneers problems and will be something they will need to handle better next time.
"These teams are really hard to play because of their style," he said. "It's direct, physical and they play to win. We have to find a way to play these teams and win."
Wayland went into the match having won five in a row, including four straight shutouts.
Against defending SAC champion USAO, the Pioneers didn't back down from the challenge and remained true to their style of play. Now, Ospina wants his team to take this as another lesson.
"This was a learning experience for us," he said. "We need to get better."
It was Wayland's first-ever scoreless tie in the seven-year history of the program.
The Pioneers hit the road to Oklahoma on Friday to face Mid-America Christian. In its last match, the Evangels (2-8, 0-3) were defeated by Texas Wesleyan, 2-1.Â
"None of these teams are easy," Ospina said. "I'm glad we played this game so we can get better and fix our flaws."
