Eagles soccer has winning record again

The men’s soccer team recaptured its winning record Saturday at home against Northeastern State University.

According to junior Ante Susic, Oklahoma Christian University expected a challenge from the Riverhawks.

“[It was] very hard from the beginning and we knew we would have to give everything we have to get the result,” Susic said. “The whole team did what was asked from us and we got a very important win.”

Susic scored the only goal of the match in the 41st minute off a penalty kick, just before the half. A red card at the half against the Eagles’ Austin Ford left the team a man short for the remainder of the game. Susic said despite receiving the player ejection, the team maintained its concentration.

“The red card was pretty much the only moment when we weren’t focused on the game,” Susic said. “But all of the players responded very well and managed to keep the lead.”

Officials gave six yellow cards during the game, and competition grew so heated that even the head coaches of both teams received yellow cards.

Despite the intensity, there is a deep reverence for Northeastern State among the team, according to Susic.

“Northeastern State is a great team and we as a team respected them a lot,” Susic said. “But we also knew we are better than everybody thought and we showed it.”

The Riverhawks outshot Oklahoma Christian 21-7 during the game, but Eagle goalkeeper Evan Helker staved off an aggressive Riverhawk offense with a total nine saves.

Oklahoma Christian hosts Oklahoma Baptist University next Monday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.

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