Rams Outlast John Brown, 1-0
FT. WORTH, Texas (October 27, 2013) -- Despite controlling much of the match, including an 18-10 advantage in shots, Texas Wesleyan (10-5-1, 4-4-0 SAC) scored a goal in the 23rd minute to edge John Brown (7-8-0, 3-4-0 SAC), 1-0, this afternoon at Martin Field.
In a match that was originally scheduled for Saturday (Oct. 26) evening, severe weather pushed the bout to Sunday afternoon.
The Golden Eagles controlled the contest early, tallying the match's first four shots. Sophomore Eli Simonsen and junior Ryan Duncan each had a shot early as junior Martin Gonzalez also had a pair over the first 10 minutes, prompting three early saves from Ram netminder Arturo Sanchez.
TWU recorded its first shot on goal in the 17th minute that was promptly countered by senior keeper Pablo Garcia. Wesleyan, however, would strike first in the 23rd minute when Marin Kovacevic's attempt just slipped past Garcia.
Both squads managed seven shots in the first stanza but it was JBU that earned the majority of chances, firing four shots on goal, compared to the Rams' three. Also highlighting the Golden Eagles' ball control dominance was John Brown's 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The visitors pressed again the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities. JBU launched 11 shots in the half, four of which were on goal. The Wesleyan defense was able to deflect three Golden Eagle attempts while Sanchez collected another four saves in the half.
Over the final five minutes of the match, the Rams fended off the John Brown relentless attack. JBU shot four times over that span, but were unable to score as two defensive blocks and two Sanchez saves preserved the 1-0 shutout.
The Rams played a particularly rough style of play and was whistled for 23 fouls, compared to John Brown's 10. TWU also picked up four yellow cards on the day which led to an ejection in the 86th minute that allowed the Golden Eagles a man advantage for the remainder of the match.
JBU finished the afternoon with the advantage in shots (18-10), shots on goal (8-3) and corner kicks (11-0).
Garcia (7-8-0) suffered the loss in net while collecting two saves in the losing effort. Sanchez (2-1-0) notched eight saves en route to the clean sheet effort.
John Brown will now prepare to entertain Mid-America Christian (Okla.) at Alumni Field on Wednesday (Oct. 30) at 3:00 p.m.
