OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Southwestern Christian University opened conference play Saturday night, battling Oklahoma City University at Brian Harvey Field in a tightly contested matchup. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, the Eagles fell 1-0 to the Stars.
The loss moved SCU to 5-1-1 overall and 0-1-0 in conference play, while Oklahoma City improved to 3-4-2 overall and 1-0-0 in conference action.
The two teams played to a scoreless first half, with both defenses keeping the opposing attack off the scoreboard. Southwestern Christian recorded five shots in the opening 45 minutes and earned five corner kicks, while goalkeeper Axel Tricot made two saves to keep the match tied heading into halftime.
SCU continued to apply pressure early in the second half, but Oklahoma City broke through in the 53rd minute. Hannan Ashraf scored at the 52:38 mark off an assist from Matheus Ambrozio, giving the Stars a 1-0 advantage.
The Eagles responded with pressure of their own, generating multiple chances throughout the final 20 minutes. Mauro Tomas, Nicolas Falco, Augustine Mateos, Steven Laguerre, Jorge Landeras, and Lucas Giacomini all recorded second-half shots as SCU searched for the equalizer.
Southwestern Christian finished the match with a 15-10 advantage in total shots and earned seven corner kicks compared to three for Oklahoma City. SCU placed three shots on goal, matching Oklahoma City's three shots on target.
Tricot finished the night with three saves in goal for the Eagles, while Oklahoma City goalkeeper Vittorio Di Carlo also recorded three saves to preserve the shutout.
The Eagles will look to bounce back as conference play continues.
