OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Wayland Baptist Men's Soccer team saw its 2026 season come to an end Wednesday, November 4, falling 3-0 to No. 3 nationally ranked and top-seeded Mid-America Christian University in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament at Dill Soccer Field.

The Pioneers faced a difficult challenge against a Mid-America Christian squad that entered the contest with a 16-1-2 overall record. Despite the result, Wayland created several scoring opportunities throughout the match, placing seven of its eight shots on goal.

Mid-America Christian controlled much of the opening half, outshooting Wayland 15-4. However, Pioneer goalkeeper Benjamin Godard helped keep the contest scoreless through the early stages, recording four first-half saves.

The Evangels broke through in the 38th minute when Elias Hirt found the back of the net at the 37:28 mark, assisted by Klaus Gartner and Matias Garcia.

Just over five minutes later, Mid-America Christian doubled its advantage when Gartner scored at the 42:58 mark off assists from Vito Callaci and Garcia, giving the Evangels a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Wayland continued to battle offensively in the second half, generating four additional shots. However, Mid-America Christian goalkeeper Julian Huertas prevented the Pioneers from finding the back of the net.

The Evangels added their final goal in the 69th minute when Haruya Higuchi scored at 68:40, assisted by Hirt and Jimmy Cabrera, extending the lead to 3-0.

Baptiste Hervaud led the Wayland offensive effort, recording a team-high five shots, all five of which were on goal. Felipe Dos Santos and Renato Katrip also contributed offensively, with Dos Santos recording one shot on goal and Katrip adding two shots, including one on target.

Godard finished the match with five saves across 90 minutes in goal for the Pioneers.

Mid-America Christian finished with an 18-8 advantage in total shots and a 7-2 edge in corner kicks. Despite the Evangels' offensive pressure, Wayland limited the nation's third-ranked team to just three shots in the second half.

With the loss, Wayland concludes its 2026 campaign with a 4-9-4 overall record. The Pioneers' postseason appearance capped a season in which the program earned its opportunity to compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament against one of the nation's top-ranked teams.