GOODWELL, Okla. – Wayland Baptist men's soccer battled back from an early two-goal deficit but was unable to find the equalizer in the second half, falling 2-1 to Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Tuesday night at Anchor D Stadium.
The loss moved the Pioneers to 3-4-4 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play, while Oklahoma Panhandle State improved to 4-7 overall and 1-3 in conference action.
OPSU struck first in the 28th minute when Kendrick Lysius-Cherubin converted a penalty kick to give the Aggies a 1-0 advantage. Just under three minutes later, Lysius-Cherubin found the back of the net again, this time off an assist from Calum Murphy, to push the lead to 2-0.
Wayland responded before the halftime break. After entering the match as a substitute, Harrison Frewin provided the service for Felipe Dos Santos, who scored in the 44th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
The Pioneers increased their offensive pressure in the second half after being limited to two shots during the opening 45 minutes. Wayland produced six shots after halftime while searching for the tying goal.
Baptiste Hervaud generated several of Wayland's best opportunities down the stretch. Hervaud recorded four shots in the match, including two on goal, with both shots on target coming in the final six minutes. OPSU goalkeeper Mateja Stefanovic stopped attempts from Hervaud in the 85th and 86th minutes to preserve the Aggies' one-goal advantage.
Wayland finished with eight shots, three on goal and five corner kicks, while Oklahoma Panhandle State recorded 19 shots, seven on goal and three corners. Dos Santos accounted for Wayland's lone goal, while Hervaud led the Pioneers with four shots. Miguel Guerra added two attempts.
In goal, Benjamin Godard played all 90 minutes for Wayland and finished with five saves, keeping the Pioneers within striking distance throughout the second half.
Despite creating several late opportunities, Wayland could not produce the equalizer as Oklahoma Panhandle State held on for the 2-1 final.
UP NEXT
The Pioneers will look to bounce back Saturday when they continue their road schedule against Southwestern Christian University at 3:30 p.m.
