Pioneers earn satisfying shutout of Stars

Coming off a less-than-pleasing tie and third straight double-overtime game, the Wayland Baptist men's soccer team rebounded with a satisfying 3-0 victory over Oklahoma City in Sooner Athletic Conference play Saturday evening at Hilliard Field.
 
"We stressed the need for everyone to contribute and the guys coming off the bench added new energy to keep our level and intensity high. It was a good team win," Wayland coach Robert Ssejjemba said.
 
Marco Magnoli scored Wayland's first two goals then Antonio Menendez finished off the scoring for the Pioneers (6-3-2, 2-0-2 SAC), who remained unbeaten in conference play. OCU slipped to 7-4-0, 1-3-0.
 
"I thought we controlled the game well from start to finish. We took care of the ball and our back line was consistent in winning their battles individually and as a unit."
 
Leonardo Marini assisted on Magnoli's first goal in the 27^th minute. Magnoli made it 2-0 in the 63^rd minute, then Menendez struck gold after a pass from Ryan Naidoo.
 
Magnoli now has six goals on the second, one behind team-leader Samba Gnokane. Menendez has four goals.
 
The Pioneers got off 14 shots from eight different players with eight shots on-goal. The Stars were credited with eight shots but only one was on-target, which was saved by WBU keeper Ilkkan Sahin.
 
The Pioneers are back on the road next week to take on Science & Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The Drovers (6-4-3, 1-2-1), ranked the equivalent of 33^rd in the NAIA, fell to No. 4 Mid-America Christian on Saturday in Oklahoma City, 2-1. WBU's next home match is Oct. 19 against MACU.