OKLAHOMA CITY - Texas Wesleyan University (7-7-0, 1-4-0 SAC) showcased their resilience and attacking prowess in a spirited 2-1 defeat against Oklahoma City University (9-3-2, 3-0-2 SAC) on Saturday. Despite the loss, the Rams displayed moments of brilliance, with Peter Tenorio leading the charge by scoring a crucial goal in the second half to keep the game within reach.

The match began with both teams trading early chances. Texas Wesleyan's offense came alive early, as Chandler Brookins fired a header just wide in the fourth minute, followed by Pablo Bances testing Oklahoma City's goalkeeper Alexis Bertrand with a shot that was blocked in the seventh minute. The Rams kept the pressure on, with Diogo Stefane and Bances forcing saves from Bertrand in the 16th and 18th minutes, respectively. Texas Wesleyan earned three corner kicks in the first half, showcasing their ability to create set-piece opportunities.

Oklahoma City broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Ethan Taylor scored, assisted by Harrison Knight, to give the Stars a 1-0 lead. Despite the setback, the Rams responded with determination, as Joel Kisukulu and Leonardo Coronado tested Bertrand with shots late in the first half, though both were thwarted.

The second half saw Texas Wesleyan continue their aggressive play. Brookins and Nathaniel Neang forced saves from Bertrand, but Oklahoma City extended their lead in the 61st minute with a goal from Knight, assisted by Taylor, making it 2-0. The Rams refused to back down, and their persistence paid off just three minutes later when Tenorio found the back of the net in the 64th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with his second goal of the season.

Texas Wesleyan's attacking momentum continued, with Tenorio, Bances, and Kisukulu generating chances, though Oklahoma City's defense held firm. The Rams' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Axel Tonietto, also stood tall, with Tonietto making a key save on a shot from Oklahoma City's Bernardo Duarte in the 34th minute.

Despite a late push, including shots from Stefane and Kisukulu, the Rams couldn't find the equalizer. Texas Wesleyan's relentless effort and ability to create scoring opportunities highlighted their potential, even in defeat.

The Rams return to action on Oct.18 against Southwestern Christian University for Senior Night at 7 p.m. at the pitch on Martin Field