Drovers Rally to Victory in Second Half as Diaz Earns 10th Career Shutout

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (3-1-2, 0-0 SAC) used a strong second half to claim a 3-0 shutout victory against Bethel College (1-3, 0-0 KCAC). The Drovers and Threshers have a good amount of history, but the all-time series has been in the favor of USAO, having won all eight meetings, dating to Sept. 9, 2006.

The Drovers thoroughly dominated the time of possession in Saturday's contest, but USAO was unable to get on the scoreboard in the first half and took a scoreless tie into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers struck for three unanswered goals in the final 17 minutes of the game. Juan Pablo Penagos got the scoring started with his first goal of the season, coming off an assist fromvRichard Ebongue Bollanga in the 73^rd minute. USAO doubled the lead in the 84^th minute as Matija Malenovic scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by Thato Lekgetho. Malenovic currently ranks third in the NAIA in goals scored and ninth in points so far this season. 

Thiago Fasano struck for his third goal of the season in the 88^th minute, off a beautiful assist from Harry Yorke.

As a team, USAO attempted a staggering 33 shots, with 11 being on goal, while Bethel attempted only three shots, one of which were on target. The Threshers were whistled for five fouls, while the Drovers committed eight infractions. USAO attempted nine corner kicks, while Bethel had zero attempts out of their offensive corners.

Angel Diaz got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped the only shot that came his way, securing the10^th shutout of his career, and improves his record to 18-13-10 as a Drover.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now return to action at McLaughlin Field on Saturday, Sept. 13 as they host Columbia College (Mo.). Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT.

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