SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Wayland Baptist men's soccer battled nationally ranked No. 25 John Brown University down to the wire Saturday afternoon, but a late penalty kick proved to be the difference as the Pioneers fell, 2–1, at Alumni Field.
Senior forward
Francis Motsi netted his team-leading seventh goal of the season to pull the Pioneers even midway through the second half, but JBU's second penalty kick of the match in the 85th minute sealed the result.
After a scoreless first half that saw goalkeeper
Alex Neri make four saves to keep the Pioneers level, the Golden Eagles struck first in the 65th minute when Gabriel Cabrera finished off an assist from Atim Roper.
Just three minutes later, Motsi drew and converted a penalty kick to even the score at 1–1. It marked the senior's fourth straight match with a goal and showcased the Pioneers' resilience against one of the top teams in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
Despite Wayland's defensive effort, John Brown was awarded another penalty in the 85th minute, which Cabrera again buried to put the hosts ahead for good.
Wayland was outshot 22–6 but made the most of its chances, placing five of its six shots on goal. Alongside Motsi,
Maximiliano Campos added a shot on target, while Neri finished with four saves in 90 minutes of work.
With the loss, Wayland moves to 4–3–1 overall and 1–1–1 in SAC play. The Pioneers will return home to face
RV Southwestern Christian University on Thursday, October 7th, at 4:15 PM at J.V. Hilliard Field.
