The Basics

Score: Evangel 1, Clarke 2 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (1-11-1, 0-9-0), Clarke (8-2-2, 5-2-2)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Men's Soccer took on a tough Clarke team on Saturday, looking to claim their first conference victory of the season. Evangel nearly took a tie after regulation, but a Clarke goal in the 89th minute solidified a 2-1 victory for the Pride over Evangel.

Evangel used a strong first half to take an early lead over Clarke. Igor Ovcarevic nearly scored a goal, but a nice save by the Pride goalie kept it 0-0. Soon after, Leonardo Borges received a penalty kick with an opportunity to go up, 1-0. The goalie used a nice stop to his left to stop the PK, but just four minutes later, Dean McConnell put the Valor up, 1-0, on a free kick as the Pride were unable to clear the ball. The Valor defense put the clamps on Clarke, not allowing a single goal in the first half as they led, 1-0. 

Kicking off the second half, Clarke found their first goal of the day to even the score at a goal apiece. Evangel continued to get excellent opportunities at goal, but just barely missed at another goal on different occasions. The game appeared as if both teams would take a tie since new rules indicate no overtime in regular season games, but Clarke used a free kick and a rebound off a shot to score the go-ahead goal in the final minute of the game, taking a 2-1 victory over Evangel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Evangel was outshot, 22-6, on goal in the loss, but were more efficient with their shots.

• McConnell scored his second goal of the season in the loss.

• Anthony Morales finished with nine saves in goal.

QUOTABLE

"I'm very proud of my guys for their efforts today. They (Clarke) have a great team this season and we were able to lead for the majority of the game," Men's Soccer Head Coach Kyle Beard stated. "Dean had a phenomenal goal to give us an early lead and we were just on the wrong end of it in the final minute. Clarke is easily a top 30 team in the nation and I think my guys showed how much they have grown this season with this statement of a match."

UP NEXT

Evangel will travel to Parkville, Mo., to take on the Pirates of Park on Wednesday (Oct. 19) night at 7:30 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.  

—#OneValor—