Drovers Extend Win-Streak to Six and Advance to SAC Championship Game

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday night, the No. 6 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-7-4, 4-4-1 SAC) advanced to their second consecutive Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship game and extended their win-streak to six with a 3-1 victory against No. 7 Oklahoma City University (8-8-3, 3-4-1 SAC). 

The Drovers got off to a great start and controlled possession of the ball for the vast majority of the half and outshot OCU by a margin of 4-2 in the opening half. USAO managed to capture a 1-0 lead on Matija Malenovic's ninth goal of the season in the 18^th minute.

Following the break, the Stars were able to strike for the equalizer on a free-kick in the 55^th minute, but the Drovers quickly reclaimed the 2-1 lead on Darko Borisavljevic's sixth goal of the season, assisted by Sebastian Boldt in the 61^st minute. The Drovers added an insurance goal in the 69^th minute, coming off the foot of Dani Suarez, assisted by Justin Croke. USAO used perfect defense to preserve a 3-1 lead for the remainder of the contest.

As a team, USAO attempted 18 shots, with seven being on goal, while Oklahoma City attempted nine shots, with six being on target. The Drovers were whistled for 16 fouls, while the Stars committed 12 infractions.

Angel Diaz was sensational between the pipes for USAO once again, stopping five of the six shots that came his way, improving his record to 9-5-4.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will make the short trip to Oklahoma City for the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship game on Thursday, November 9 against the top seeded Mid-America Christian University. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Dill Soccer Field, on the campus of MACU. USAO is seeking its eighth conference tournament championship in program history, while the Evangels are attempting to win their fourth tournament crown in a row.

Earlier this season, the Drovers faced the No. 1 ranked Evangels and gave them all they could handle, forcing the game to end in a 1-1 draw. Additionally, the fierce rivals faced each other in last year's SAC Tournament championship game and the Evangels came away with a 3-0 win.

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