Freshman Jevaughn Vance got his team-leading fifth goal of the season and senior Cody McClary put in a penalty kick with just 5.9 seconds remaining in the first overtime period to give the Wayland Baptist men a 2-1 victory over Rogers State on Thursday evening. It was the first Sooner Athletic Conference win in school history for the Pioneer men, who began playing soccer in 2009.
"I couldn't be happier for our players," said Jamath Shoffner, who is in his first year as head coach of the men's soccer program, "especially our returners that have been with the program from the beginning."
McClary slotted the ball in the lower left corner on the penalty kick. It was his second goal of the season. "The game-winner from Cody McClary couldn't have happened to a more deserving player," added Shoffner.
The Hillcats took an early lead just five minutes into the match after a mad scramble for possession in the box. RSU junior Gary Arauz finally got control and made the pass to Justin Friesen, who was standing wide open at the top of the box. Friesen buried the ball on the far-post side to put his team on top.
The Pioneers took advantage of their first opportunity. Junior Saman Hassan chipped the ball over the Hillcat defense and freshman Jevaughn Vance volleyed it past RSU goalkeeper Jeremy Swift backpost at the 30:28 mark.
RSU had two golden chances to regain the lead right before the intermission, but one shot went just wide and the other just over the crossbar.
Rogers State, who outshot Wayland 9-1 in the first half, came out strong in the second period with several threats early, but was unable to get the ball past WBU freshman goalkeeper John-Ramses Thomas.
Thomas faced 22 shots in the game and made nine saves, four each in the first two periods, and one in overtime. Meanwhile, on the other end of the field, his teammates took just six shots, but scored on the two shots they put on net.
The win gives the Pioneers a record of 4-3-2 overall and 1-0 in SAC action. Rogers falls to 5-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play. It was the first home loss of the season for the Hillcats.
"The team gave a total effort tonight, and fought the whole match against a very talented Rogers State team," Shoffner added.
Wayland will attempt to pick up its second SAC victory on Saturday at John Brown University. That game is set to begin at 3 p.m.