BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — Oklahoma Wesleyan University Men's Soccer generated consistent attacking pressure on its home pitch Wednesday night, but the Eagles were unable to convert their opportunities in a 3-0 setback against Ottawa University.
Playing in front of the home crowd in Bartlesville, OKWU controlled several areas of the match and continually worked its way into the attacking third. The Eagles finished with a 15-11 advantage in total shots, put nine attempts on frame and earned seven corner kicks compared to three for the Braves.
Oklahoma Wesleyan established its attacking presence immediately. Chafik El Idrissi tested the Ottawa goalkeeper just 35 seconds after the opening whistle before Ronardo Burgher came within inches of breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute, driving an effort off the post.
Despite OKWU's early pressure, Ottawa opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Cale Scott converted from the penalty spot to give the Braves a 1-0 advantage.
The Eagles responded by pushing numbers forward and increasing the pressure in the final third. Burgher forced a defensive save in the 27th minute, leading to consecutive corner kicks as OKWU searched for an equalizer.
Mateja Bozic provided another attacking spark off the bench, putting two attempts on target late in the opening half. Alejandro Aleman Lopez also tested the Ottawa defense as the Eagles continued to create opportunities around the penalty area.
OKWU entered the halftime break trailing 1-0 despite producing nine shots and five corner kicks during the opening 45 minutes.
The Eagles remained on the front foot after the restart, looking to find space between Ottawa's defensive lines and create the equalizing chance. Ottawa, however, doubled its advantage in the 69th minute when Leo Mautret found the back of the net.
Oklahoma Wesleyan continued to press forward despite the two-goal deficit, sending numbers into the attacking third and forcing the Braves to defend throughout the second half. The Eagles ultimately placed nine shots on target over the course of the match.
Ottawa added a third goal in the 87th minute when Slobodan Novicevic converted a chance assisted by Scott to close out the scoring.
Bozic and Eguzki Hashimoto each registered two shots on frame to help lead the OKWU attack. El Idrissi, Burgher, Aleman Lopez, Carter Ligi and Luis Noboa Baquerizo also put attempts on target as the Eagles generated scoring opportunities from several areas of the pitch.
Between the posts, Marko Rodic played the full 90 minutes and recorded four saves for Oklahoma Wesleyan.
While the final scoreline favored Ottawa, the Eagles consistently created chances and held advantages in total shots, shots on goal and corner kicks. The result moves Oklahoma Wesleyan to 4-1-1 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play as the Eagles look to respond in their next fixture.
