Photo by: Roxie Gonzalez
In the first visit since 1989 by sister school Harding University; the Oklahoma Christian University men’s soccer team took the early lead, but stopped just short with a tie in overtime.
The Eagles scored in the second minute when midfielder Domenico DeGrazia hit a free kick past Harding goalkeeper Thomas Shultz from 45 yards. The goal was DeGrazia’s first of the year.
“The last couple of games I had opportunities, but could not put them away so I am glad I was able to score on Saturday,” DeGrazia said. “It always feels good to score, but I’d much rather win and not get any goals than score and get a tie. But, hopefully in the games coming up we can score more goals and win the games.”
Oklahoma Christian went into the half with a 1-0 lead.
Harding’s tying goal came in the 68th minute when Jeremy Rector passed to Barry Foster, who beat Oklahoma Christian goalkeeper Evan Helker from 15 yards. Neither team scored again in regulation, leading to two overtimes proving fruitless for both teams. The Eagles outshot the Bison five to three, but didn’t manage to score.
Both the Eagles and the Bison had opportunities to take control of the game in regulation. Harding’s Van Thang missed a potential game winner in the 79th minute. Eagles midfielder Seth Brown took a shot in the 89th minute, but Harding goalkeeper Tyler Melson made the save.
“I think we started very slow and picked it up as the game went on, but it was not enough,” DeGrazia said. “We could have won the game if we could have capitalized on our chances when we had them, but soccer is like that, sometimes you create a lot and do not score and sometimes it is enough with a few opportunities.”
Brown agreed that the Eagles could not finish through with the opportunities.
“One of the biggest things we struggled with that led to the tie was simply not finishing in the attacking third of the field,” Brown said. “We had so many open opportunities to put away a goal, or to create a goal-scoring opportunity with just one more pass, but we just couldn’t find it.”
Brown also said the temperature played a role in the Eagles’ performance.
“A lot of the guys, including me, started the game really slow and sluggish, even though we got a goal in like the second minute,” Brown said. “The heat really sapped our strength, especially in the OT periods.”
Oklahoma Christian edged Harding in shots 25-22. The Eagles’ Helker had five saves, while Bison goalkeepers Melson and Shultz had two and three saves, respectively.
According to DeGrazia, improvements need to be made in closing games out.
“I think overall we looked good at times, but in my opinion, the main problem is that we switch off from time to time,” DeGrazia said. “If you take a look at the games we have played so far, most of the goals that the teams have scored on us have been consequences of our own mistakes. So, the main thing is to try to stay consistent for the whole game and we will improve our chances of winning.”
Players agreed that ball movement is essential to taking advantage of scoring opportunities.
“It comes down to guys not being selfish, and playing for the team,” Brown said. “Everyone has those moments where they think they can go it on their own, and maybe they can, but most of the time it’s better to pass it on and give up your opportunity to someone else. I think we need to learn that as a team and we will be able to finish games. Like I said, we had great individual effort, just not a team effort, and soccer is a team sport.”
The Eagles played without their home crowd for the first time this season on Thursday when they took on West Texas A&M. DeGrazia said that the home crowd has played a large role in the motivation of the team.
“The crowd has been incredible,” DeGrazia said. “We appreciate the support and it makes a huge difference in our game knowing that we can rely on them. It is great to hear people cheering you up — it makes you work harder. I am sure we are going to miss playing with their support, but traveling, it’s also good for us because it helps us get away and it takes some pressure out.”
Brown said he anticipated a competitive matchup before Thursday’s game.
“West Texas A&M has always been competitive,” Brown said. “We haven’t gotten the scouting report yet, so at this point it’s more or less guesswork. They’ll be a good team for sure, but in the end, both teams put 11 players on the pitch. It comes down to whoever wants it more and is willing to do the work or give up that ball for the second man.”
Oklahoma Christian will visit Eastern New Mexico University on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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