BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Oklahoma Wesleyan University men's soccer team delivered a commanding performance Saturday evening, defeating Kansas Wesleyan University 2-0 at the OKWU Soccer Complex. Behind a balanced offensive attack, disciplined defensive organization, and goals from Mateja Bozic and Marcos Vidan, the Eagles controlled the tempo and secured another important Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) victory.
Oklahoma Wesleyan opened the contest looking to establish possession and dictate the pace of play through the midfield. The Eagles worked to create opportunities in the attacking third, applying pressure to the Kansas Wesleyan back line while remaining organized defensively to limit the Coyotes' chances on the counterattack.
The breakthrough came just before halftime when Mateja Bozic found the back of the net in the 45th minute. Bozic capitalized on a well-placed assist from Chafik El Idrissi at the 44:14 mark, giving Oklahoma Wesleyan a crucial 1-0 advantage heading into the break. The late first-half strike provided the Eagles with momentum as they entered the second 45 minutes.
Following halftime, Oklahoma Wesleyan elevated its attacking intensity, consistently pushing numbers forward and generating opportunities in the final third. The Eagles dominated possession in dangerous areas, recording 16 second-half shots while forcing the Kansas Wesleyan defense to withstand sustained offensive pressure.
Despite creating numerous scoring chances, Oklahoma Wesleyan was unable to extend its advantage for much of the second half. The Eagles continued to challenge the Coyotes' goalkeeper with attempts from distance and opportunities inside the penalty area, maintaining their attacking rhythm while searching for the insurance goal.
The decisive second goal came in the 89th minute when Marcos Vidan finished an opportunity created by Ronardo Burgher at the 88:40 mark. Vidan's late strike doubled the Eagles' advantage and effectively put the match out of reach, sealing the 2-0 victory in front of the home crowd.
Mateja Bozic led the Oklahoma Wesleyan offensive effort, recording a team-high six shots, including four on frame, while netting the opening goal. Nasreddine Benbella provided an attacking spark off the bench, registering four shot attempts, while Vidan added three shots and the late insurance goal.
Defensively, the Eagles delivered a disciplined performance, limiting Kansas Wesleyan to just seven total shots and two attempts on target. Goalkeeper Marko Rodic anchored the defensive effort, playing all 90 minutes between the posts and recording two saves to preserve the clean sheet. The defensive unit, led by Colon Valeriano, Santiago Mejia, and Andrewss Angulo, maintained its shape and prevented the Coyotes from generating sustained attacking pressure.
Oklahoma Wesleyan dominated the statistical battle, outshooting Kansas Wesleyan 21-7, including an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal. The Eagles also earned eight corner kicks while holding the Coyotes without a single corner opportunity, highlighting OKWU's ability to control territory and consistently threaten in the attacking third.
With the victory, Oklahoma Wesleyan improves to 10-1-3 overall and 8-1-2 in KCAC competition, continuing its strong conference campaign. The Eagles will look to carry their offensive momentum and defensive consistency into the final stretch of the regular season as they position themselves for postseason play.
The victory highlighted Oklahoma Wesleyan's ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities while maintaining a strong defensive presence, earning another shutout and three valuable points in the conference standings.
