LINDSBORG, Kan. – Oklahoma Wesleyan University men's soccer delivered an emphatic performance Saturday evening, October 24, overwhelming Bethany College in a commanding 10-0 victory in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) action. Behind an explosive offensive attack, clinical finishing in the final third, and a disciplined defensive effort, the Eagles controlled the match from the opening whistle to secure another convincing conference victory.
Oklahoma Wesleyan wasted little time establishing its attacking presence, applying immediate pressure to the Swedes' back line. Mateja Bozic broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, finding the back of the net to give the Eagles an early 1-0 advantage. Just over three minutes later, Ronardo Burgher doubled the lead, converting a well-placed assist from Ryunsokue Masuzuka.
The Eagles continued to dictate the tempo through organized build-up play and relentless movement in the attacking third. Masuzuka extended the advantage in the 18th minute, finishing a scoring opportunity created by Chafik El Idrissi. Marcos Vidan followed in the 20th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Bozic to push Oklahoma Wesleyan's lead to 4-0.
Oklahoma Wesleyan's offensive pressure continued to create problems for the Bethany defense, resulting in a penalty kick opportunity in the 28th minute. Burgher stepped to the spot and calmly converted, completing his brace and sending the Eagles into the halftime break with a commanding 5-0 advantage.
The Eagles' first-half dominance was evident in the statistics, as Oklahoma Wesleyan registered 19 shots while limiting Bethany to just two attempts through the opening 45 minutes.
Coming out of the halftime break, Oklahoma Wesleyan maintained its attacking intensity, continuing to stretch the Swedes' defensive shape and generate quality scoring opportunities. Jovan Jovicic added the Eagles' sixth goal in the 53rd minute, finishing an attacking sequence set up by Eguzki Hashimoto.
Bozic struck again in the 58th minute, completing his brace and extending the lead to 7-0. Less than three minutes later, Nasreddine Benbella joined the scoring column, converting an assist from Jovicic to give Oklahoma Wesleyan an eight-goal advantage.
The Eagles continued to press forward, and Bozic completed his hat trick in the 73rd minute, finishing a well-executed attacking combination assisted by Benbella and Jovicic. Benbella capped off the scoring in the 89th minute with his second goal of the contest, putting the finishing touches on an impressive 10-goal performance.
Mateja Bozic led the Eagles' offensive charge with a hat trick and an assist, registering seven shots with five on frame. Burgher and Benbella each contributed two goals, while Jovicic delivered an outstanding performance with one goal and two assists. Masuzuka added a goal and an assist, while Vidan also found the scoresheet. El Idrissi and Hashimoto each recorded an assist, highlighting Oklahoma Wesleyan's balanced attacking production.
Defensively, the Eagles were equally impressive, maintaining a compact defensive shape and limiting Bethany's opportunities in the final third. Goalkeeper Pedro Nakano recorded one save in 64 minutes of action before Joseph Pedralza closed out the contest between the posts, preserving the clean sheet.
As a team, Oklahoma Wesleyan outshot Bethany 36-4, placing 20 attempts on target while holding a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. The Eagles' ability to control possession, create space in the attacking third, and capitalize on scoring opportunities demonstrated their effectiveness on both sides of the pitch.
With the victory, Oklahoma Wesleyan improves to 12-1-3 overall and 9-1-2 in KCAC play, continuing to build momentum as the regular season approaches its conclusion. The commanding road performance reinforces the Eagles' attacking depth and defensive organization as they prepare for the final stretch of conference competition.
Oklahoma Wesleyan will look to carry its offensive firepower and defensive discipline into its remaining KCAC fixtures as the Eagles continue their push toward postseason play and the upcoming conference tournament.
