Courtesy of Midland Athletics
BETHANY, Okla. – Midland University continued its road trip to start the season on Saturday with a stop in Bethany, Oklahoma to take on Southwestern Christian University. The Warriors kept their hot start going with three first-half goals in a 3-0 win over the Eagles, capping a perfect 2-0 trip in the Sooner State.
“Great to get the result and take all three points today,” head coach Josh Nakayama said. “We had flashes of brilliance, and our counterattack was on point.”
The Warriors struck early when Southwestern Christian failed to clear a corner in the third minute. The ball bounced around the penalty spot before falling to Hugo Garcia-Rosado Duran, who powered it into the bottom-right corner to give Midland the lead.
Midland continued to pressure the Eagles when Matus Vlna received a long ball down the left wing. Vlna dribbled past his defender before sending a low cross into the box, finding Garcia near the six-yard line. Garcia buried the shot for his second goal of the game and third of the season, doubling Midland’s lead in the 20th minute.
The Warriors added a third in the 38th minute when Vlna delivered a free kick into a dangerous area. The cross deflected off an Eagle defender’s head, hit the far post and ricocheted into the net for an own goal, making it 3-0.
Southwestern Christian held a 6-5 shot advantage at halftime, but Midland was more clinical in finishing chances. The Eagles came out aggressive after the break, but the Warrior defense held firm, led by goalkeeper Thomas Reyes. In the 55th minute, Reyes fully extended to his left to make a diving save on a shot headed toward the bottom-right corner, preserving the three-goal lead.
Reyes finished with seven saves, including three in the second half as Southwestern Christian outshot Midland 8-0 after the break. The Warriors withstood the pressure to secure the clean sheet.
“To be honest, we can do more, and the boys are motivated to grow and improve,” Coach Nakayama said. “Now we need to focus on who’s next.”
Garcia led the attack with a first-half brace on two shots. Vlna assisted one goal and forced the own goal. Reyes earned the shutout in his first start for Midland.
Midland (2-0-0) returns to action Thursday, August 28, when it travels to Dubuque, Iowa, to take on No. 23 Clarke (1-0-1). The Warriors will look to start the season 3-0-0 for the first time since 2012.
