Drovers Score Half-Dozen in Shutout Victory at Sterling

STERLING, Kan. – Tuesday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-0, 0-0 SAC) stayed hot with a dominant 6-0 triumph on the road at Sterling College (0-1-1, 0-0 KCAC).

The Drovers controlled possession of the ball from the start of the contest, but Sterling had the first great scoring chance of the game. The Warriors drew a penalty kick less than 10 minutes into the contest, but USAO's keeper Angel Diaz made a sensational diving save to keep it scoreless. Less than two minutes later, Matija Malenovic scored his third goal of the season, assisted by Thiago Fasano.

Just before halftime, Malenovic scored his second of the game and fourth of the season, on a free-kick from just outside the box in the 43^rd minute. The Drovers controlled a two-goal lead going into the break.

Following halftime, USAO stretched the lead to 3-0 in the 51^st minute as Thiago Fasano found the back of the net for the first time this season. The Drovers got more insurance in the 78^th minute as Callum Scott scored a breakaway goal, assisted by Noah Jansing. USAO's fifth goal came in the 85^th minute as Max Leegwater scored his first of the season on a penalty-kick. Leegwater struck for his second goal only two minutes later, giving the Drovers a commanding 6-0 advantage.

As a team, USAO attempted 24 shots, with 11 being on goal, while Sterling attempted nine shots, three of which were on target. The Warriors were whistled for seven fouls, while the Drovers committed 11 infractions. USAO attempted 10 corner kicks, while Sterling had just one attempt out of their offensive corners.

Angel Diaz got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped all three shots he faced to improve his record to 17-12-8 at USAO. The shutout is the sixth of his career as a Drover.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head south for a pair of games in the Lone Star State. On Saturday, Aug. 30, the USAO will face Our Lady of the Lake University at 12:00 PM CT, followed by a matchup against Texas A&M University San Antonio on Monday, Sept. 1 at 11:00 AM CT.

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