Oklahoma City,OK.-- Southwestern Christian(11-7-2, 4-4-1 SAC) fell just short of Glory and revenge for the regular season loss by the Evangels, Falling in the SAC Championship to #3 MACU
After a foul was called on Southwestern Christian in the 38
th minute, the Evangels were able to capitalize. Taking a free kick from 25-yards out from the right side, MACU delivered a cross to just outside the six-yard box. MACU was able to stick a foot out and chip an eight-yard poke into the top right corner to give MACU a 1-nil advantage heading into the halftime break.
The only attempt at an equalizer that the Eagles were able to attempt in the second half came in the 52
nd minute on a 20-yard shot from the middle by
Muhammad Bilal, but MACU keeper was able to catch the arcing shot toward the right post with ease to keep SCU off the board. With just over 30 minutes left, the Evangels were able to push across an insurance goal. On the play, MACU was able to intercept a clearance and found a MACU forward breaking toward the 18-yard box and they put a shot toward the right post to bring the score to 2-nil. SCU's only real strong chance at cutting into the MACU lead came in the 80
th minute after a foul was called on the Evangels from just past the midfield stripe. SCU defender
Damnjan Kojic launched a great deep ball into the Evangels' box, but
Victor Arias header attempt just barely sailed over the right corner crossbar.
Mid-America Christian controlled the pace from beginning to end, outshooting Southwestern Christian 16-6. The Eagles did manage to hold the Evangels to just five shots on-goal, however, the MACU defense was even more stifling, limiting SCU to only two on-target attempts.
Southwestern Christian finished the season 11-7-2, 4-4-1 in SAC play. Southwestern Christian will now await to find out where it will be competing in the NAIA Tournament or in the NCCAA Regional championships. The NAIA Men's Soccer Selection Show will air on the NAIA's Facebook and YouTube pages at noon on Monday, Nov. 15. The NAIA Opening Round will be held from Nov. 18-20 while the National Championships will be played at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex in Decatur, Ala. from Nov. 30-Dec. 6.