Oklahoma Christian (0-0-0) at Oklahoma Baptist (0-0-0)
Thursday, Sept. 1, 7:00 p.m.
Shawnee, Okla. (OBU Soccer Complex)
Match Notes |
SHAWNEE – After weeks of preparation, the Oklahoma Baptist men's soccer team takes the field for the first time in 2016 when they square off with in-state rival Oklahoma Christian at the OBU Soccer Complex in Shawnee on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. It is the first of two home matches this week for the Bison, who play four of their first five matches of the season in Shawnee.
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Oklahoma Baptist went 7-12 last season, picking up second-place Great American Conference finishes during the regular season, as well as at the GAC Tournament. The Bison return a strong core for the squad's second season among the NCAA Division II ranks, most notably reigning GAC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year,
Vicente Castillo and
David Estrada.
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Castillo will lead the offense for one final season in the green-and-gold. In his junior year, he found the back of the net 12 times while also supplying six assists. For his part, Estrada enjoyed a breakout freshman campaign, marshalling the defense to two clean sheets. With the help of First Team All-GAC honoree, and fellow sophomore,
Jacob Tunney, the defense should prove stingy.
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Oklahoma Christian finished last season with an 8-9-1 record, but returns several key pieces from last season's squad. Ante Susic, who led the team with six goals, returns for his final year with the Eagles, while Evan Helker, who posted seven shutouts a season ago, returns in goal.
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The Bison fell last season to OC, 4-0, last season in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Christian is one of OBU's most-played opponents since the team started play in 2004, having met 10 times, and the Bison are searching for their first win over the Eagles since 2008.
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Oklahoma Baptist returns to the pitch Friday, Sept. 2 for their second match in as many days when they square off with St. Mary's at 7 p.m. at the OBU Soccer Complex.
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