Chavez, LaCourse Lift ORU Past MVC Favorites MSU

It took more 13 minutes of extra time, but the Oral Roberts University men's soccer team continued to have Missouri State's number as the Golden Eagles knocked off the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorites in double-overtime.

Tuesday, September 2nd 2014, 12:22 am

By: News On 6

Chavez, LaCourse Lift ORU Past MVC Favorites MSU

It was the first time since 2010 ORU won a season opener, while the Bears dropped their season record to 1-1-0. ORU now has a three match unbeaten streak against the Bears over the past two seasons.

The match was defensive battle throughout, with ORU starting goalkeeper Ben LaCourse making several spectacular saves to keep the Bears out of the net. In the 78th minute, MSU had its best look of the match to take a lead in regulation, but LaCourse laid out to his left to make a diving save on a shot by Brandon Barbero.

In the 104th minute, the Bears fouled a Golden Eagle player, setting a free kick from about 45 yards out. The Golden Eagles were able to convert on the set piece as Alex White sent the free kick into the box, and after a header by Zari Prescod, Johnny Chavez was able to get a head on the ball for the golden goal.