ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Ouachita Tigers men's soccer team defeated Oklahoma Baptist 2-0, in the final of the inaugural Great American Conference Men's Soccer Championships. Tournament MVP and GAC Goalkeeper of the year
Nelson Pacheco stopped five Bison shots on goal to earn his second consecutive shutout.
The Tigers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 14
th minute of the first half.
Joey Zerbo scored from six yards out off a deflection from
Gideon Onguti. It was Zerbo's second goal of the season and the first assist for Onguti.
With time running down in the first period, Ouachita's
Brandon Hom launched a free kick from midfield to the left side. A touch from
Blake Beshirs crossed the ball to the right side of the goal where
Marcellus Hill drove into the back of the Bison the net.
Ouachita's keeper
Nelson Pacheco was the difference maker for the Tigers in the second period. Pacheco recorded four of his five saves to hold off the Bison offensive attack. For the tournament, Pacheco made eight saves.
Ouachita's mens team previously earned the inaugural GAC men's soccer regular-season title. After placing seven players on the GAC All-Conference Team,Ouachita's
Tyler Mouton,
Dillon Farrell,
Joey Zerbo, and
Ryan Trayner joined Pacheco on the GAC All-Tournament Team.
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