OKLAHOMA CITY – The top-ranked Mid-America Christian men's soccer team secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Southwestern Assemblies of God in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Quarterfinals at the Dill Soccer Field on Friday afternoon as the Evangels ran away with the victory after netting three second half goals.
 
SCORING SUMMARY

• 1^st Half – MACU – 7:32 – Goal: Jack Price (11), Assist: Diego Real – MACU 1, SAGU 0
• 2^nd Half – MACU – 53:52 – Goal: Yasha Schaerer (4) – MACU 2, SAGU 0
• 2^nd Half – MACU – 70:39 – Goal: Pietro Musso (3), Assist: Federico Palacios – MACU 3, SAGU 0
• 2^nd Half – MACU – 73:40 – Goal: Diego Real (1), Assist: Jack Price – MACU 4, SAGU 0

 MATCH SUMMARY

• In the early stages of the game, Mid-America Christian (15-0-3, 8-0-1 SAC) initiated a high-press strategy against Southwestern Assemblies of God (9-9, 3-6 SAC) with it paying off with the opening goal in the eighth minute. After successfully regaining possession just beyond SAGU's 18-yard box, Diego Real made a decisive move into the penalty area and found Jack Price unmarked within the six-yard box, allowing the SAC Offensive Player of the Year to secure the opening goal
• The Evangels had another great opportunity to widen the goal margin approximately three minutes later. Real displayed impressive footwork skills on the left side of the offense, allowing him to navigate to the endline. He delivered a cross that was deflected by SAGU's goalie, David Calvete Beltran, ultimately reaching Enzo Nogue just outside the six-yard box. Nogue unleashed a first-time shot with more than enough power, but it struck the crossbar and went over for a goal kick.
• While the Lions were able to contain MACU for the remainder of the half, the Evangels got back into its offensive stride just nine minutes into the second half. Price's attacking move was halted by a foul, leading to a free kick opportunity from approximately 30 yards out. On the free opportunity, Yasha Schaerer utilized a strong wind to his back to blast an incredible shot that hooked into the top left corner for his second free kick goal of the season.
• During the 70th minute, following a missed cross from Pietro Musso to Frederico Palacios, Palacios exhibited unwavering determination, persisting in the pursuit of the ball. He managed to regain possession near the endline, advanced into the box, and delivered an excellent pass back to Musso, allowing just a simple tap-in to extend the MACU edge to 3-nil.
• Three minutes later, Price received the ball just inside the box and navigated past two defenders, releasing a powerful shot. The keeper managed to make the initial save but was unable to secure the ball, leading it to fall at the feet of the unmarked Real. With composure, Real executed a delicate chip over the keeper, securing MACU's spot in the SAC Semifinals with the 4-0 victory..

 MATCH NOTES

• Mid-America Christian dominated the match with a substantial 19-9 advantage in total shots, including an impressive 8-2 lead in shots on-target over Southwestern Assemblies of God.
• Jack Price led MACU's offensive efforts with a goal and an assist for three points. The senior forward continues to climb up MACU's NAIA Era (2007-present) offensive charts as his sixth game-winner this season moved him into a tie for second with Dominik Tajak (2017) for the second-most in a season while becoming just MACU's second player to reach double-digit game-winning goals (10), joining former teammate Rodrigo Albuquerque (23, 2019-22).
• Price's 14^th career assist also moved him into a tie for seventh in the books alongside Caleb Roldan (2016-19).
• Diego Real became the 11^th different player on the squad to find the back of the net this season. Notably, Real's assist marked his 15^th in his two-year MACU career, propelling him into a tie for fourth in the record book alongside Rodrigo Ferreira (2021-22) and Willy Deleon (2009-12).
• The other assists in the match were notched by Federico Palacios, who moved into a tie for third on the team with his fourth of the season.
• Pietro Musso netted his third goal of the season while Yasha Schaerer turned in the fourth of his freshman campaign.
• Claudio Fuentealba's outstanding performance continues to elevate his position in MACU's NAIA Era season record book for goalkeepers. With his 13th win and seventh shutout, Fuentealba now stands in fourth for single-season victories. Additionally, his seventh clean sheet has secured him the fourth position in the season record book.
• Mid-America Christian is currently on a seven-game winning streak against Southwestern Assemblies of God. The second meeting this season was a much more convincing one for MACU after the Evangels held on for a 3-2 victory over the Lions back on Oct. 14.

UP NEXT

• Mid-America Christian will now prepare for the SAC Semifinal match on Monday night as the Evangels will host crosstown rival Southwestern Christian for a 7 p.m. kickoff at the Dill Soccer Field.