#6 USAO Advances to SAC Semifinals with Shootout Victory at #3 Central Christian

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-7-3, 4-4-1 SAC) opened the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament with their fifth win in a row, in a thrilling penalty-kick victory on the road at Central Christian College (10-5-2, 5-4 SAC). The Drovers are now 7-2 against the Tigers all-time, dating back to October of 2017.

After the game opened with 17 scoreless minutes, USAO managed to take a 1-0 lead on Angelo Leendertse's fourth goal of the season, assisted by Justin Croke in the 18^th minute. Neither team was able to find the back of the net for the remainder of the half. 

Following the break, the score remained tied for the opening 40 minutes of the half until Central Christian struck for the equalizer in the 85^th minute and forced the game to go into overtime. 

After neither team was able to score in the two overtime periods, the Drovers outscored the Tigers 8-7 in penalty-kicks to win the game and advance to the SAC Tournament semifinals against No. 7 seed Oklahoma City University.

In the shootout, the Drovers received goals from Justin Croke, Angelo Leendertse, Matija Malenovic, Leonardo Schneider, Dani Suarez, Sebastian Boldt, Harry Yorke, and Darko Borisavljevic. Angel Diaz stopped the final two shots he faced to clinch the victory for USAO.

As a team, USAO attempted 13 shots, with five being on goal, while Central Christian attempted 11 shots, with two being on target. The Drovers were whistled for 18 fouls, while the Tigers committed 15 infractions.

Angel Diaz was stellar between the pipes for USAO once again, stopping one of the two shots that came his way prior to the shootout, improving his record to 9-5-3

The dynamic duo of Justin Croke and Matija Malenovic has been wreaking havoc on the Sooner Athletic Conference this season. Croke currently ranks seventh in the SAC in goals (9), fourth in assists (10), and fourth in points (28), while Malenovic ranks tenth in goals (8), fourth in assists (9), and seventh in points (25).

Additionally, the Sooner Athletic Conference announced their postseason awards for men's soccer on Friday afternoon and five players from USAO were recognized with all-conference selections. Justin Croke earned a spot on the first-team All-SAC list, while Matija Malenvic, Angelo Leendertse, Callum Shepherd, and Stijn Iding were second-team selections.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to McLaughlin Field for the semifinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on Monday, November 6, as No. 6 USAO hosts No. 7 Oklahoma City University for a 7:00 PM CT kick-off.

Stay up to date on all Drover Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers