The Basics

Score: Evangel 0, Friends 0 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (4-2-1, 0-2-1), Friends (2-3-2, 1-0-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Men's Soccer hosted the Friends Falcons on Wednesday (Sept. 20) evening, looking to earn their first win in KCAC conference play. Anthony Morales had a strong night in goal, recording 11 saves, but the Valor offense could not score a go-ahead goal, as both Friends and Evangel fought to a draw after 90 minutes of play.

Friends kept offensive pressure on Evangel's back line in the first half, but a strong defensive effort from the team kept Friends from having a solid opportunity at goal in the first half. Friends would record several shots on goal, but none would threaten Morales, as he stopped each shot with ease. Ted Okoroh, Junior Barboza, and Elias Lairmore all recorded shots on goal in the first half, but the Falcons keeper also kept EU off the board, as both teams were deadlocked at halftime, 0-0.

The second half proved to be full of physical play, as six yellow cards were called in the half alone. Evangel's offensive pace increased as each minute went by, as EU was able to put additional pressure on the Falcons keeper, nearly scoring on a Okoroh shot at the 52:47 mark and a Barboza shot just a few minutes after. Anthony Morales showed his strength in goal in the final 20 minutes of the match. Friends found multiple opportunities to score goals, but Morales' exceptional play in goal did not allow anything to be scored. Both teams traded possession in the final five minutes as neither team could find a final solid opportunity. Both teams ended the second period without a goal, as EU and Friends tied, 0-0.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ted Okoroh and Junior Barboza both recorded two shots on goal in the draw.

• Anthony Morales recorded 11 saves in the match, proving to be the difference maker for Evangel.

UP NEXT

Evangel Men's Soccer remains home on Saturday (Sept. 23) afternoon to take on the Bethany Swedes at 12:00 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.