Drovers Sweep Season Opener

MUSKOGEE – Friday night’s season opener went according to plan as the University of Science and Arts’ soccer teams ran past Bacone College by a combined score of 6-0. Both teams take a 1-0 record into Thursday’s home opener against Northwood, Texas, beginning at noon.

Friday the women scored two first-half goals and won 2-0 while the men, which found themselves ranked No. 25 in the NAIA preseason poll for the first time in history, pulled away late with three second-half goals and claimed a 4-0 win.

Wesley Costa may have had his best game as a Drover in place of a gimpy Adam Day in the midfield. He scored a goal and assisted another to Ne Ne Coulibally. Coulibally’s header in the 29th minute gave USAO a 1-0 lead.

Tommy Hubbard gave USAO a 2-0 lead on an unassisted goal in the 47th minute, and Costa posted his goal four minutes later. Rafael de Silva notched the final goal and his first of the year late in the second half.

Sophomore and All-American Honorable Mention goalkeeper Shane Flanagan posted his sixth career shutout. He has only allowed one goal in his last six starts dating back to last year’s conference and regional tournaments.

The USAO women turned to a fresh face for some offensive production and the first goal of the season. Edmond product Alex Cernigliaro scored on a penalty kick early in the game to give the Drovers a 1-0 lead and assisted on a goal by Jesse Brown. Brown, who is a senior captain for the Drovers, will be featured on KOOL 105.5 FM at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

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