FORT WORTH - Texas Wesleyan University (7-6-0, 1-3-0 SAC) defeated John Brown University (8-3-1, 3-1-0 SAC) 3-2 in Thursday's contest. The win marks the Rams first conference win, while John Brown suffers their first conference defeat of the season.
In the first half, both teams started off very aggressive with the Rams striking early as
Rudy Gonzalez found the back of the net for his fourth goal on the season.
Louis Guffroy and
Chandler Brookins were both credited with assists to help the Rams get on the board first. The Rams and Golden Eagles remained aggressive as both teams exchanged shots, but to no avail for either team. In the 34th minute, the Rams scored once again with a solo effort from Gonzalez once again, scoring his second of the game and fifth on the season. The Rams kept the Golden Eagles off the board as they took a 2-0 going into the half.
The second half began with a penalty kick goal by the Golden Eagles just two minutes into the half. The Rams and Golden Eagles once again found themselves battling every possession and were constantly fighting for a breakthrough. As both teams were taking shots, it was met by excellent goalie play with several saves to keep the score at 2-1 in favor of the Rams. As the clock was winding down, both teams were making a push, in the 85th minute, the Golden Eagles found the net once again as they tied the game at 2-2 with under five minutes remaining. The Rams sent everyone into the offense as they continued to pour on shots, hoping one would sneak by the goalkeeper. It wasn't until the 90th minute that
Joel Kisukulu found the ball at just the right time and buried it to help lift the Rams over the Golden Eagles with a score of 3-2.
Gonzalez and Kisukulu were responsible for the three goals scored,
Chandler Brookins also had three shots, all of which were on goal.
Axel Tonietto recorded three saves in the match and had several clutch moments to help aid the Rams defense. This win also marks the first win vs a ranked opponent for head coach
Matt Pitcock, bringing his record vs ranked oppoennts 1-1.
The Rams return to action on Saturday, October 11 as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Stars of Oklahoma City University.
