WICHITA, Kansas – The Ouachita Baptist University men's soccer team battled back to even the score early in the second half but ultimately fell 2-1 to Newman University on Saturday afternoon at Wilkins Field in Great American Conference action.
With the loss, Ouachita dropped to 8-6-1 overall and 5-5 in conference play, while Newman improved to 5-11-1 overall and 4-6-1 in GAC competition.
Newman controlled much of the offensive pressure in the opening half, recording 11 shots compared to Ouachita's two. The Jets threatened early, but Tiger goalkeeper
Isaac Murie kept the hosts off the scoreboard with several key saves.
Newman eventually broke through in the 18th minute to give the Jets a 1-0 advantage.
Ouachita looked to respond late in the opening period, with
Emanuel Castillo putting a shot on goal in the 38th minute that was turned away by the Newman goalkeeper.
Eric Godoy followed with another opportunity in the 44th minute, but his attempt sailed wide of the target.
Despite the late offensive push, the Tigers entered halftime trailing 1-0.
Ouachita wasted little time finding the equalizer following the break. Just 1:05 into the second half,
Pau Ndaw Codina scored an unassisted goal at the 46:05 mark to bring the Tigers level at 1-1.
The early second-half goal gave Ouachita new life as the Tigers looked to complete the comeback.
Newman continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the second period, forcing Murie into multiple saves to keep the contest tied. The Jets eventually regained the lead in the 70th minute.
Trailing 2-1, Ouachita attempted to find another equalizer in the closing 20 minutes but was unable to generate a shot as Newman's defense held firm to secure the one-goal victory.
The Tigers will host Northeastern State on Thursday, October 29 at 3 p.m.
