BURLINGTON, Iowa - Sophomore Kyle Owen has a knack for scoring clutch goals for the Western Illinois soccer team (1-5-1).
"Great hard-fought win today," Director of Soccer Dr. Eric Johnson said. "Oral Roberts is a really talented team and scoring early against them was huge. I am very happy for the guys today."
The defender netted the game-winner to knock off No. 18 Oral Roberts (7-2-0, 5-1-0) 1-0 on Thursday (March 18) afternoon. His first goal of the season was a cal back to his first career goal, the game-winner against Denver last season.
WIU has defeated a ranked Golden Eagles squad in back-to-back seasons. In 2019, the Leathernecks edged No. 20/24 Oral Roberts 2-1 in the season finale to earn the No. 1 seed in The Summit League Championships.
Early on, the Leathernecks led the attack and outshot ORU 7-2 in the first half. WIU took advantage of the pressure and earned its first corner of the match.
Cesar Cosio soared a ball into the box that first found the feet of Daisuke Otsuka. After his shot was blocked, the ball found the foot of Owen (4'), who tapped it in the midst of the scramble.
Seanan Main totaled four saves en route to his first career shutout and victory. The sophomore goalie stopped the Golden Eagles attack with three consecutive saves in the 74th and 75th minutes to preserve the lead.
WIU and ORU square off again on Saturday (March 20) at 1 p.m.
