Drovers Fight to a Draw in Rivalry Game at #1 MACU

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Saturday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-4-3, 0-1-1 SAC) went into hostile territory and earned a 1-1 draw at No. 1 ranked Mid-America Christian University (7-0-3, 1-0-1 SAC). The Drovers and Evangels have concluded in stalemates in each of their last two regular season meetings, and USAO now holds an 11-7-4 advantage in the all-time series against MACU. 

Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes of action and the game was knotted at 0-0 going into halftime.

Following the break, the contest remained scoreless and with only 24 minutes remaining MACU had the best scoring chance of the game, but Angel Diaz made a tremendous save on a penalty-kick to keep the score even. Eventually, the Evangels were able to strike for the first goal of the game in the 75^th minute of regulation.

However, the lead was short-lived as Stijn Iding headed home the equalizer for his first goal of the season, off an incredible assist from Angelo Leendertse in the 77^th minute. 

Despite several scoring chances for both teams in the final minutes, neither was able to regain the lead, thus ending in a 1-1 draw.

As a team, USAO attempted nine shots, with four being on goal, while MACU attempted 15 shots, with six being on target. The match was very physical and the Drovers were whistled for 24 fouls, while the Evangels were only called for seven infractions. 

Angel Diaz was superb between the pipes, stopping five of the six shots that came his way, many of which were acrobatic diving stops. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action at home on Tuesday, October 3 as they host a showdown against Oklahoma City University. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT at McLaughlin Field.

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