PLAINVIEW, Texas – The Wayland Baptist men's soccer team celebrated Senior Night on Wednesday afternoon at J.V. Hilliard Field, recognizing seven graduating seniors before taking on John Brown University in Sooner Athletic Conference action. Despite several offensive opportunities throughout the match, the Pioneers fell 3-0 to the Golden Eagles.

With the loss, Wayland moved to 4-6-4 overall and 3-3-1 in conference play, while John Brown improved to 9-3-1 overall and 5-2 in SAC competition.

Prior to kickoff, Wayland honored seven seniors for their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the Pioneer men's soccer program. The seniors recognized were Gabriel Mediros, Felipe Endo Dos Santos, Rivaldo Mitchell, Ian Franchini, Diego Ibarra, Renato Katrip, and Josue Gonzalez. The ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and the impact they have made throughout their time representing Wayland Baptist University.

John Brown opened the scoring early in the contest when Constantin Bauer found the back of the net just 2:37 into the match, giving the Golden Eagles a 1-0 advantage.

Wayland looked to respond as senior Renato Katrip recorded the Pioneers' first shot on goal in the 10th minute, forcing a save from John Brown goalkeeper Juan Almanza. Baptiste Hervaud also created an opportunity in the 22nd minute, but his attempt was turned away.

The Golden Eagles extended their lead in the 24th minute when Kevin Acosta scored off an assist from Alejandro Gallardo, putting John Brown ahead 2-0.

Despite the early deficit, Wayland continued generating scoring chances throughout the opening half. Hervaud registered another shot on goal in the 32nd minute, while Katrip attempted a shot in the 35th minute that sailed high. Senior Felipe Dos Santos added another opportunity in the 44th minute, but Almanza made the save to preserve John Brown's two-goal advantage heading into halftime.

The Pioneers finished the opening 45 minutes with six shots, including four on goal, while John Brown recorded eight shots.

Wayland came out of the halftime break looking to increase its offensive pressure. Evan Schumacher created an early second-half opportunity with a header in the 50th minute, while Hervaud added another shot attempt in the 58th minute.

However, John Brown extended its lead in the 60th minute when Gallardo scored off an assist from Marco Brizuela, giving the Golden Eagles a 3-0 advantage.

The Pioneers continued battling throughout the remainder of the contest, creating opportunities to get on the scoreboard. Senior Ian Franchini entered the match in the 75th minute, while fellow senior Diego Ibarra checked in during the 80th minute.

Wayland put together a late offensive push in the closing minutes. Raul Diaz recorded a shot in the 84th minute that was stopped by a John Brown defender, and Dos Santos followed with another shot on goal that forced Almanza to make a save.

In the 89th minute, Katrip nearly provided a memorable Senior Night moment when his shot struck the crossbar, narrowly missing an opportunity to put the Pioneers on the scoreboard.

Wayland finished the contest with 12 total shots, including six on goal, while John Brown recorded 18 shots with 10 on target. The Golden Eagles held a 9-6 advantage in corner kicks.

Offensively, Hervaud and Katrip led the Pioneers with three shots apiece. Hervaud recorded two shots on goal, while Katrip finished with one. Dos Santos contributed two shots, both on target, and Schumacher added two attempts.

Defensively, Wayland goalkeeper Benjamin Godard played all 90 minutes and finished with six saves. Calum Murphy also contributed a defensive save in the second half.

Although the Pioneers were unable to secure a victory in their final home match of the regular season, Wednesday's contest provided an opportunity to recognize the seven seniors who have helped shape the program through their commitment, hard work, and leadership on and off the field.

Up Next

Wayland Baptist will return to the road on Saturday, October 24, when the Pioneers travel to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to face Oklahoma City University in Sooner Athletic Conference action. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. as Wayland continues its push toward postseason play.