ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — A storm brewed over Arkadelphia on Thursday afternoon as Southern Nazarene ran away from Ouachita Baptist in their 4-1 victory to kick off conference play.
The Storm (3-3-1, 1-0-0) dominated in all categories, firing a total of 32 shots with ten of those on goal. The SNU defense also held strong, only allowing the Tigers (0-5-2, 0-1-0) to finish with eight total shots taken.
SNU began work early, firing multiple shots in the first few minutes of the match. Unaiz Shajani found Juan Rodarte in the gap for a quick goal in the fourth minute.
A few minutes later, Shajani found another open teammate, this time, passing to Bruno Ferreira for another Crimson Storm score that pushed SNU to an early 2-0 start over Ouachita.
The Tigers tested the Storm defense three minutes later, scoring a goal of their own to trail SNU 2-1.
From the 14th minute on, both teams suffered a scoring drought for the remainder of the first half. SNU continued to fire shots throughout the first half, but were unable to extend their lead, taking a 2-1 lead into halftime.
SNU controlled much of the second half, denying any chance at a Tiger comeback. The Shajani and Rodarte duo connected for another goal in the 64th minute to push SNU further with a 3-1 lead.
The Storm sent one in once more in the second half as Bruno Ferreira found an open Harei Maeda for the shot to the back of the net. Maeda's goal propelled the Storm to a 4-1 advantage with just under 18 minutes left in the match.
Shots were exchanged the rest of the second half, but the SNU defense kept the Tigers away from a comeback. 90 minutes was reached, and SNU walked away with their first conference victory of the season, defeating the Tigers 4-1 on the road.
Shajani had an impressive game, firing four total shots to go along with one goal and two assists. Ferreira also helped lead the offense, putting up six shots with one goal and one assist.
Rodarte also had a goal and assist for the Storm, combined with his two total shots and two shots on goal that afternoon. Maeda finished with three shots, two shots on goal, and one goal.
SNU will remain in Arkansas for another conference matchup, traveling to Searcy to take on Harding, Saturday, September 17th, with a 1:00 p.m. kick-off time.
