USAO Upsets OC in Semifinals

OKLAHOMA CITY – With two second-half goals, the 17th-ranked University of Science and Arts knocked off No. 13 Oklahoma Christian 2-1 Tuesday on the road and moved one step closer toward the program’s first national tournament berth.

USAO overcame an early goal by the Eagles’ Matt Clark just four minutes into the game. After Clark’s goal, the Drovers found themselves down for the first time during this postseason. USAO rallied in the second half with goals by senior Tommy Hubbard and freshman John Gardner. Adam Day and Pinny Nijjar assisted on the game-tying and go-ahead goals, respectively.

With the win, USAO improved to 14-2-3 overall and has beaten OC two out of the three matches this season. The Drovers will play No. 3 Southern Nazarene at 1 p.m. Friday in Bethany for the NAIA Region VI title and an automatic bid into the national tournament. The regional runner-up could also qualify for nationals with an at-large bid.

Friday’s match will pit the top two teams from the Sooner Athletic Conference with USAO holding the all-time series lead with an 8-7-1 record. SNU won the first matchup of the season 2-0, but USAO battled then No. 2 SNU to a 0-0 tie at home on Oct. 27.

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