Courtesy of Midland Athletics
OKLAHOMA CITY – Midland University kicked off its season Thursday with a trip to Oklahoma City to face 16th-ranked Oklahoma City University. The Warriors came out on top in a defensive battle, defeating the Stars 1-0 thanks to a penalty-kick goal in the 67th minute.
“This was a good result for our young team,” said head coach Josh Nakayama. “We are very excited about this year and the future.”
Midland came out on the attack, firing off the first three shots of the game in the opening 10 minutes and forcing one save from OCU goalkeeper Alexis Bertrand. The Stars then grew into the match, as a shot from Bernardo Duarte hit the crossbar in the 14th minute. Another effort from Matheus Ambrozio in the 23rd minute forced Midland goalkeeper Laurin Lettowto make his first save of the game.
OCU fired two more shots wide, evening the shot count at 4-4 before the whistle ended a relatively quiet first half.
The second half continued as a defensive struggle. The Stars managed the only shot in the first 20 minutes after halftime, forcing Lettow into another save. Midland then broke its drought in the 66th minute when Matus Vlna had a shot blocked inside the box.
Building off that momentum, the Warriors earned a penalty in the 67th minute when Hugo Garcia-Rosado Duran was fouled in the box. The 2024 Great Plains Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year stepped up and buried the penalty into the back of the net to give Midland a 1-0 lead.
The Stars managed two headed chances in the final 22 minutes but were unable to find an equalizer as Midland secured a 1-0 road win to open the season.
Oklahoma City finished with a 7-6 advantage in total shots, but Midland was more accurate, putting four shots on target compared to three for OCU.
Garcia led the Warriors offensively, winning the penalty, taking three shots, and scoring the lone goal. Lettow played all 90 minutes in goal, making three saves in his first start for Midland.
“This is only the first match of the year. We need to stay grounded and take it one match at a time,” Nakayama said. “We need to be consistent.”
Midland (1-0) will look to build on its momentum Saturday when they take on Southwestern Christian (1-0) in Bethany, Oklahoma. Game time is slated for 5:30 p.m. at Cagle Family Field.
