PHOENIX – The Mid-America Christian men's soccer team picked up a crucial win over a ranked opponent after senior forward Simon Van Rheeden connected on the game-winner late in the contest to propel the Evangels to a 1-0 victory over No. 21 Arizona Christian on Monday.
With 80:25 on the clock, the Netherlands native dribbled through the Firestorm defense and his shot found the bottom right corner of the net to break scoreless deadlock. The score marked Van Rheeden's first goal of the 2019 season and his eighth career goal with the Evangels.
Mid-America Christian (2-0) controlled the pace early in the first half, limiting Arizona Christian (0-2-1) to just four first half shots, only two of which were on-target but saved by sophomore goalkeeper Austen Parker.
MACU was able to fire off seven shots in the opening half, placing four on-goal but could not sneak any past ACU goalkeeper Josue Delgadillo.
The Firestorm had the first big scoring opportunity in the 87th minute of the second half, but the shot from ACU's German Lopez bounced off the right post, keeping the match at a scoreless tie.
Mid-America Christian struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the second half as ACU held the Evangels to no shots for a 23-minute stretch before Van Rheeden came through with the game-deciding goal.
ACU had one last chance at an equalizer in the final nine minutes, but Parker was able to make the save on Jesus Valenzuela's shot in the 83rd minute, allowing MACU to come away with the win.
The two teams were evenly matched throughout the contest with ACU outshooting the Evangels by just a 13-12 margin with both teams placing six shots on-goal.
Rodrigo Albuquerque led the MACU attack with four shots in the contest, two of which were on-target.
Parker picked up his second consecutive shutout win in goal for the Evangels, finishing the match with a season-high six saves.
Mid-America Christian will look to close out its three-match road swing on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan. The match is slated for a 3 p.m. start.
