USAO men’s soccer team celebrated Labor Day by tallying a home win against the Our Lady of the Lakes University (OLLU) Saints (0-1, 0-0 RRAC). Coming off a 1-1 tied game against Ottawa, the Drovers were looking to gain a win and bump their overall record to 3-1-2.
“After each match, we review films as an important element of our process, ensuring thorough preparation for our upcoming games,” Matija Malenovic, a junior midfielder, said on how the team prepares for games.
Malenovic said that throughout the game he had to change several positions, playing all three lines, and not letting his team down and stepping up every time.
The first goal came in the 46th minute from the SAC player of the week Justin Croke, a senior forward. This marked Croke’s fifth goal of the season.
“I am very proud that Justin was named player of the week. I think he deserved to be named SAC Player of the Week with his performances in the previous games. It is an additional motivation, not only for him, but for all of us to continue in the best possible rhythm to stand out as a team and as individuals,” Malenovic said.
After Croke’s goal which gave the Drovers the 1-0 lead, the Saints kicked a goal in the 68th minute of the game to make the score 1-1. Facing another tie, the Drovers had to kick it in gear to get the win. In the 73rd minute senior forward Dani Suarez kicked a goal, but it was saved by the Saints goalkeeper Dominic Pena.
This did not slow things down though because in the 76th minute Malenovic was assisted by Suarez and scored the go-ahead goal making the score 2-1. This would mark Malenovic’s third goal this season.
The Drovers held the Saints at one goal for the remaining minutes to win the game 2-1 and advancing their overall record to 3-1-2.
“First of all, we will take a day off and use it to rest and analyze the game. Then, together with the coaches, we will focus on correcting everything that was not good in today’s game. We will learn from today’s mistakes, and we will strive to be better with each day,” Malenovic said.
The fans can continue to support the team Saturday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. as they travel to Sterling College in Kansas.
Austin Jackson is a first-year history education major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
