MIAMI GARDENS, FL: The Texas Wesleyan University men's soccer team (1-0) took a 2-1 win over Keiser University (0-1-1) in their season opener on Friday.
The neutral site contest was played at the University of St. Thomas (FL) in Miami Gardens, near Keiser's home of West Palm Beach. Keiser entered the season with high hopes as the first team listed as receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll.
The Rams got on the board first when
Ojuok Otieno found the net off an assist from
Ofir Avisar in the 29th minute.
That goal held up through halftime. In the 50th minute, the Seahawks got on the board. KU's Ben Frogner scored on an assist from Oscar Petersson to knot the game at 1-1.
Defense prevailed until
Shaun Miltner finally broke the tie in the 82nd minute off a feed from
Alex Ellis.
For the game, the Seahawks outshot the Rams 15-8 while both teams managed five shots on goal. Texas Wesleyan was whistled for 13 fouls to KU's 5. The Rams were also called offside five times while the Seahawks jumped only once.
Marko Jovanovic (1-0) made three saves in his first outing minding the net for Texas Wesleyan. Keiser's Luke Edgecombe (0-1-1) made four stops in the loss.
The Rams were scheduled to play St. Thomas on Sunday, but that game has been moved up to a 5:00 pm (EDT) start on Saturday, due to an incoming weather system.
Ramblings
- This was the first win in a season opener for Texas Wesleyan since 2013 when they defeated Concordia Texas 2-0.
- Texas Wesleyan is 2-3 in their season opener under the direction of
Tyler Powell and 13-13-1 all-time.
- This was the first meeting between Texas Wesleyan and Keiser (formerly Northwood-FL) on the soccer field. The Rams are 1-0 all-time vs. St. Thomas (FL) with the previous meeting being a 3-2 Texas Wesleyan win last season.
