OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Wayland Baptist Men's Soccer team closed out its 2026 regular season Wednesday evening with a 5-1 loss to No. 3 Mid-America Christian University at Dill Soccer Field. Despite the setback, the Pioneers have officially secured a spot in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament and will now turn their attention toward postseason competition.

With the loss, Wayland finishes the regular season with a 4-8-4 overall record and a 3-5-1 mark in SAC play. Mid-America Christian improves to 15-1-2 overall and 8-0-1 in conference action.

The Pioneers faced an aggressive MACU attack throughout the opening half but managed to keep the contest close behind a strong effort from goalkeeper Benjamin Godard. The Evangels broke through in the 33rd minute when Leonardo Leitao found the back of the net off an assist from Ebenezer Boti, giving MACU a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.

Mid-America Christian extended its lead early in the second half when Diego Sano scored in the 50th minute off assists from Max Cavanagh and Elias Hirt.

Wayland continued looking for opportunities offensively, with Baptiste Hervaud creating several scoring chances. Hervaud recorded a shot on goal in the 62nd minute, but MACU goalkeeper Julian Huertas made the save to preserve the Evangels' advantage.

The Evangels added three more goals in the second half, beginning with Jimmy Cabrera in the 73rd minute. Jorge Garcia and Vito Callaci followed with goals in the 82nd and 84th minutes to extend the lead to 5-0.

Despite the deficit, the Pioneers continued battling and broke through in the closing minutes. In the 88th minute, Renato Katrip scored his fourth goal of the season off assists from Josue Gonzalez and Joao Valmorbida, putting Wayland on the scoreboard and bringing the final score to 5-1.

Hervaud led the Pioneers offensively with four shots, including one on goal, while Katrip finished with three shots and Wayland's lone goal.

Wayland finished the match with seven shots, including two on target, while Mid-America Christian recorded 25 shots with 12 on goal. The Evangels also held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Godard played all 90 minutes in goal for the Pioneers, recording seven saves against a strong MACU offensive attack.

Although the Pioneers were unable to close the regular season with a victory, Wayland's conference performances throughout the year have earned the team an opportunity to compete for a SAC Tournament championship.

UP NEXT

Wayland Baptist will begin postseason play in the Sooner Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Tournament on Wednesday, November 4. The Pioneers have officially clinched a tournament berth, with their first-round opponent, location, and kickoff time to be determined following the finalization of the conference tournament bracket.