Eagles shutout UTPB in final game of the season

 Photo by Roxie Gonzalez

 

Three seniors completed their careers with a shutout at home on Monday, after falling short of a comeback on Senior Night on Nov. 1.

“Senior Night is always emotional,” senior Matt McLain said. “Knowing that the team is about to lose key members of the family is tough, and it was especially tough this year knowing I was one of the guys leaving.”

According to sophomore Evan Helker, the final home stretch was special to the players.

“These last two games are a big part of our season, especially for our seniors,” sophomore Evan Helker said. “We definitely want to go out with two more wins for the season.”

Despite a late comeback attempt led by seniors Domenico DeGrazia and Matt McLain, the Eagles dropped their second-to-last game on Saturday against Lubbock Christian University.

Oklahoma Christian University fell behind in the 33rd minute after the Chaparrals capitalized on a defensive error by the Eagles. Lubbock Christian’s Tommy Fogarty-Cameron found the back of the net from 15 yards out to put the Chaparrals ahead 1-0.

Lubbock Christian’s Matt Santos scored his first goal of the season in the 67th minute off a corner kick, giving the Chaparrals a 2-0 lead.

The Chaparrals goalkeeper Tim Saucedo fouled McLain in the penalty box in the 82nd minute, which led to DeGrazia scoring off the penalty kick, bringing the game back within one goal.

With eight minutes to play, Lubbock Christian’s defense held the Eagles to only one more shot – a Chaparral defender blocked Cody Cook’s long-range attempt in the 87th minute.

Helker recorded five saves in Oklahoma Christian’s fifth consecutive loss to Lubbock Christian.

McLain said the team’s record is not an accurate indicator of its performance for the season.

“This season, I believe was not reflected by our wins and losses,” McLain said. “We were in every game and should have come out with many more wins than what we did.”

The Eagles ousted Texas Permian-Basin University in their final game of the season Monday in one of the most offensively active performances of the year.

Oklahoma Christian outshot the Falcons 24-14, scoring three unanswered goals, each separated by less than 10 minutes of playing time.

DeGrazia led the Eagles for a second straight game with a goal and assist. After a Falcon defender fouled McLain in the 31st minute, DeGrazia scored on the following penalty kick for his fourth goal of the year.

Cole Rinke scored off an assist from Sergio Flores in the 40th minute, beating UTPB goalkeeper Eric Beltran.

Eight minutes later, DeGrazia connected with Taylor Vanderford, who headed in the Eagles’ third goal of the afternoon.

Helker had six saves before Korey Bartel subbed in at the 78th minute, recording one save in 11 minutes.

The Eagles finished the season at four wins, nine losses and one tie with a 3-5 conference record.

According to McLain, the age of the team leaves promise for years of success.

“I think the team is going to perform really well [next season],” McLain said. “One of the positives of having a young team is that you return almost everyone. Many of our young guys gained valuable experience this year and will come back more confident.”

Helker shared a similar vision for next year.

“Our record was disappointing but we are a very young team and are expecting big things these next couple of years,” Helker said.

McLain said looking back he hoped he made an impact in some way on the team.

“You hope as you leave that you have left the program in a better place than when you came in and that you have laid a good foundation for the program to continue to build on,” McLain said.