The Basics

Score: Evangel 0, Avila 2 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (4-1-0, 0-1-0), Avila (2-4-0, 1-0-0)

Location: Kansas City, Mo. (The Z)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Valor Men's Soccer traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday (Sept. 13) afternoon to open KCAC conference play, taking on the Avila Eagles, looking to open the conference season with a win. Despite dominating the entire game on both sides of the ball, Evangel made two crucial mistakes, scoring two own goals early in the game as they fell, 2-0.

Avila was able to get on the board early in the game, taking a 1-0 lead at the 2:50 mark of the match. The Eagles were awarded a corner and in the process of clearing the ball with a header, the ball hit the right corner of the Valor goal, putting EU behind 1-0. Evangel's Igor Ovcarevic found a solid chance to even the score, but the ball was blocked by an Eagle defender, keeping the game at 1-0. At the 23:02 mark, Avila recorded another goal, scored as an own goal for Evangel as the Eagles attacker went for a cross that hit off a Valor defender's foot and in the back of Evangel's goal, putting Avila ahead, 2-0. The Valor had an opportunity to score a goal late in the first half, but the officials called Rem Harmsworth offsides on his opportunity, keeping the game at 2-0 heading into the halftime break.

In the second half, the Evangel offense took control of the pace of the game, recording several shots and solid chances at putting a point on the board, but Avila's stingy defense stopped EU from being able to record a goal. The Valor recorded three consecutive corner opportunities between the 71st and 74th minute, but were unable to capitalize, as the Valor ultimately fell, 2-0, to the Eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Igor Ovcarevic and Caleb Kuchta led the way for Evangel, both recording two shots on goal in the loss.

• The Valor defense was able to hold Avila to zero shots on goal, but gave up two own goals in the loss.

UP NEXT

Evangel Men's Soccer returns home on Saturday (Sept. 16) afternoon to take on the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes at 2:30 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.

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.