OKLAHOMA CITY – The No. 20 Mid-America Christian men's soccer team had to battle for its eight straight win against Southwestern Assemblies of God, but sophomore forward Rodrigo Albuquerque scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute to give MACU the 1-0 victory at Evangel Field on Saturday.
With 1:50 remaining on the clock, Mid-America Christian (11-1, 4-0 Sooner Athletic Conference) was finally able to dissect the SAGU (2-9-1, 1-3 SAC) defense. From the right side, Carlos Castrejon found a wide open Fabian Forisch in the right corner, as he launched a cross that found the head of Albuquerque before entering through the top right corner of the net.
The goal was a sweet end to a frustrating afternoon for the second-best scoring offense in the NAIA as the Evangels outshot SAGU 18-2 in the contest, but were only able to muster seven shots on-goal against the aggressive Lions defense.
In the first half, the Evangels didn't get many great looks as SAGU held MACU to just eight shots and four shots on-goal with Kieran Chance getting the best opportunity with 7:43 left off a deep pass from the middle to the right side, but the keeper made a fantastic diving save before the defense cleared the ball to end the threat.
Mid-America Christian went into the half with a scoreless tie despite holding possession for most of the half and limiting the Lions to no shots in the first 45 minutes.
SAGU would not be able to get their first shot until the 69th minute, but Austen Parker was able to make the save on the Lions only shot on-goal in the contest.
With the match entering the final 10 minutes, both teams were far more aggressive in the attacks to try to get the game-winning shot.
Before Albuquerque's game-winner, Allan Sorato had a fantastic opportunity to score the game-winner in the 83rd minute, but his rocket shot from the middle ricochet off the right post, keeping the match scoreless.
Moments later, it appeared Sorato would get that winner after beating a defense and slipping a shot through the left corner with 6:55 left, but was called for being offside to negate the score.
Of the Evangels' 18 shots in the contest, Sorato led the way with five attempts, placing three on-target while Chance added four shots with two being on-target.
Improving to 11-1 in goal for MACU this season, Parker set a MACU milestone in the victory. By picking up his eighth shutout of the season, Parker tied Jakob O'Meara-Gill's program record for most shutouts in a single season.
Mid-America Christian will now prepare to face a crosstown rival on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The Evangels will travel up the road to Bethany, Okla. to face Southwestern Christian at 3 p.m. in a battle of two of the top teams in the SAC.
