CHICKASHA, Okla. -- Behind a three-assist performance from senior
Francis Motsi, the Wayland Baptist men's soccer team earned a gritty 3–2 road win over the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers (6–4–1, 3–2–1 SAC) built a 2–0 halftime lead before withstanding a second-half rally from the Drovers to secure their third conference win of the season.
Niklas Thiel opened the scoring in the 35th minute, finishing off a setup from Motsi for his fourth goal of the year. Just eight minutes later, Motsi again delivered a perfect assist—this time to
Aaron Debus, who netted his second goal of the season to give Wayland a two-goal advantage heading into the break.
USAO clawed back with two second-half goals, equalizing in the 77th minute, but Wayland showed resilience in the closing moments. With less than two minutes remaining,
Maximiliano Campos buried the match-winner in the 88th minute—once again off a Motsi assist—to put the Pioneers back on top for good.
Goalkeeper
Alex Neri turned in a strong performance between the posts, making eight saves on 10 shots on goal to help preserve the win. Wayland outshot USAO 18–17 and held their composure despite a physical match that featured 33 fouls and five yellow cards.
The victory marks Wayland's sixth of the season and keeps them firmly in the mix near the top half of the Sooner Athletic Conference standings.
Wayland Baptist returns to the pitch on Tuesday, October 21
st when they host
RV Oklahoma City University at 6:30 PM at JV Hilliard Field.
