USAO Keeps Postseason Hopes Alive with a 1-1 Draw Against SCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-5-5, 2-4-2 SAC) battled their way to a 1-1 tie on Senior Night against Southwestern Christian University (7-4-4, 2-3-3 SAC). In head-to-head matchups, the Drovers own a 6-3-7 record against the Eagles since Oct. 2013.

With one game remaining in the regular season, the Drovers currently sit in a tie for eighth place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with a 2-4-2 record in conference play. The team that USAO is tied with in the standings in Nelson University, who they will face on Tuesday in Waxahachie, Texas.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the SAC Tournament, with the top four teams hosting quarterfinal matchups on Nov. 4. The highest remaining seeds will host for the semifinals and finals.

Saturday's contest was very evenly matched, very competitive, and very physical. In total, the match featured 29 fouls, and nine yellow cards were issued (6 SCU, 3 USAO).

Despite several scoring chances for both teams, but neither was able to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes of action.

Following halftime, it took the Drovers only 59 seconds to claim the lead as Thiago Fasano buried a rebound for his fourth goal of the season. USAO remained in the lead until the 72^nd minute, when Southwestern Christian struck for the equalizer. Both teams had their chances down the stretch, but the score remained even the rest of the way.

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 24 shots, with eight being on goal, while SCU attempted 15 shots, five of which were on frame. Both teams attempted four corner kicks.   

Angel Diaz made the start between the pipes for the final time at McLaughlin Field, and the senior stopped four of the five shots that came his way, moving his record to 21-16-13 as a Drover.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will conclude the regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 28 as they travel to Nelson University. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM CT in Waxahachie, Texas.

Stay up to date on all USAO 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