FAYETTE, Mo.—The William Woods University men's soccer team suffered its first non-conference loss of the year on Thursday night, as the Owls fell to Central Methodist University 1-0 in Fayette, Missouri.
The Owls (10-3-2; 5-2-1 AMC), were limited to just three shots in the first half, while the Eagles (8-7; 1-3 Heart of America Athletic Conference) came away with six in the first 45:00 minutes of play.
Two of the scoring chances for the Owls came on consecutive plays in the 14
th minute, as
Jesse Jordan saw his shot get blocked and then
Andrew Bernal found the loose ball and took a shot of his own, but it went just wide of the goal.
WWU had another chance to take an early lead at the 18:54 mark, but
Daniel Paez shot went wide left of the net. Then, in the 21
st minute, CMU responded, as Nicolas Vallejos scored his fourth goal of the season, after a misplay from the WWU defense, to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead heading into the half.
In the second frame, the Owls totaled two shots right out of the gate, both coming off the foot of
Julian Wells, but his first shot in the 47
th minute was saved by goaltender Carlos Ribera, while his second attempt in the 51
st minute, went wide right.
The WWU offense continued to put pressure on the Eagles throughout the final 45:00 minutes of play, but the CMU defense held strong as the clock continued to tick down.
In the 85
th minute,
Sebastian Burich had a chance to score the equalizer, but it was Ribera coming up with the big save. Then, with one final chance at the 88:24 mark, Lendell Louis-Jacuques headed the ball out of the air towards the net in the box, but Ribera was able to earn yet another save and keep the shutout intact, as CMU handed the Owls a 1-0 defeat.
Wells led the Owls offensively with two shots in the game, while Jordan, Bernal, Burich, Paez, Louis-Jacques,
Ian Mayr and
Anthony Moscatello each contributed on shot.
In net,
Ivan Monterrubio got the start in the first half, allowing the lone goal, while freshman
Conor Cable appeared in the second half, making one save.
The Owls will now turn its attention to a big match-up on Saturday afternoon, as the Owls travel to No. 21-ranked Lindenwood University-Belleville. Kick-off will start at 3:15 p.m.
Fans make sure to stay updated on wwuowls.com tomorrow afternoon for a full preview of Saturday's game.
