The Basics

Score: Evangel 2, McPherson 1 | Box Score

Record: Evangel (8-4-2, 4-4-1), McPherson (5-9-1, 4-5-1)

Location: Springfield, Mo. (Coryell Field)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Valor Men's Soccer returned home on Saturday, looking to take a bounce back win, taking on the McPherson Bulldogs. Evangel's men fought hard, knowing how imperative it was to grab a win and scored twice in the second half to push to victory, 2-1, over McPherson.

Both teams had strong chances in the first half, with Moritz Hofmeyer and Andrea Fincato earning two of the best opportunities for Evangel. Both their shots were stopped by the McPherson keeper and Evangel's Ryan Garner helped to keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the first half, as both teams took a 0-0 tie into the halftime break.

It appeared that Evangel and McPherson may both be headed for a draw in the second half, as neither team could get the ball in the back of the net. A McPherson foul gave Evangel a free kick close to the box in the 74th minute, which proved to be one of Evangel's best chances of the game. Andrea Fincato took the free kick and was able to pinpoint his shot through the McPherson defensive wall, putting the Valor ahead, 1-0, with just 15 minutes remaining in the match. Knowing they needed more, the Valor offense did not stop there. An interception from Amari Forbes in the defending half of the field helped spark a combination. Forbes passed the ball off to Moritz Hofmeyer, who was in the middle of the field, and Hofmeyer found Eneh Chibuzor, who was racing up the right side of the field. Forbes, who began streaking down the field after his pass, was given the ball from Chibuzor in the box, scoring to put Evangel ahead 2-0 on great teamwork and passing. The Bulldogs did add a goal moments later, but the Valor defense locked the rest of the half down, taking a 2-1 win on Saturday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Andrea Fincato tied the team high in goals with his shot on Saturday, his sixth of the season.

• Amari Forbes hit the game winning goal, his second of the season.

• Ryan Garner finished with six saves in goal in the win.

UP NEXT

Evangel Men's Soccer plays host to the Southwestern College Moundbuilders on Wednesday (Oct. 23) 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.