BETHANY, Okla. – Wayland Baptist Men's Soccer showed resilience and determination Saturday afternoon, overcoming an early deficit to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southwestern Christian University in Sooner Athletic Conference action.
With the victory, the Pioneers improve to 4-4-4 overall and 3-1-1 in SAC play, while Southwestern Christian falls to 6-3-2 overall and 1-3-1 in conference competition.
The Pioneers faced a challenging Southwestern Christian squad that applied offensive pressure throughout the opening half. Despite several scoring opportunities from the Eagles, Wayland's defense remained composed, with goalkeeper Drew Arehart making key saves to keep the match within reach.
Southwestern Christian broke through in the 34th minute when Mauro Tomas found the back of the net off an assist from Hedley McGhan at the 33:41 mark, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
However, Wayland responded before halftime.
In the 41st minute, Renato Katrip delivered the equalizer at the 40:01 mark, finding the back of the net to bring the Pioneers level at 1-1. The timely goal shifted momentum heading into the break and gave Wayland a fresh opportunity to take control in the second half.
Coming out of halftime, the Pioneers increased their offensive intensity while continuing to battle against a Southwestern Christian attack that created several scoring opportunities.
Wayland goalkeeper Arehart came up with two important saves early in the second half, denying Southwestern Christian scoring chances in the 54th and 60th minutes to preserve the tie.
The Pioneers capitalized shortly afterward.
In the 61st minute, Ariel Vallejo scored the eventual game-winning goal at the 60:56 mark, putting Wayland ahead 2-1 and completing the comeback.
With the lead in hand, Wayland remained disciplined defensively throughout the final 29 minutes, limiting Southwestern Christian's ability to find an equalizer.
The Eagles continued pressing forward, but the Pioneer defense held strong, protecting the one-goal advantage until the final whistle.
Southwestern Christian finished with a 14-7 advantage in total shots, including six shots on goal compared to Wayland's four. Despite being outshot, the Pioneers made their opportunities count, converting two of their four shots on target.
Katrip led Wayland's offensive attack with two shots on goal and one goal, while Vallejo recorded two shots, including the game-winning finish. Baptiste Hervaud also contributed a shot on goal.
Between the posts, Arehart delivered a strong performance, finishing with five saves in 90 minutes to help secure the conference victory.
Following the match, Wayland Assistant Coach Joven Longee praised the team's discipline and collective effort against a competitive opponent.
"We knew we were playing a good side, so we suffered together and were disciplined, and by sticking together we found the result!" Longee said.
The victory gives Wayland another important three points in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings as the Pioneers continue their push through the conference schedule.
Up Next
Wayland Baptist Men's Soccer returns home on Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. to face Texas Wesleyan University in Sooner Athletic Conference action. The match will also serve as Senior Day, as the Pioneers honor their senior student-athletes for their dedication and contributions to the program.
