ORU Men Beat Newman, 2-1

Neville Francis and Johnny Chavez scored their first goals of the season Wednesday night as the Oral Roberts men's soccer team played its final non-conference match of the season, sending home Newman, 2-1.

The Golden Eagles look to keep their name in the playoff discussion on Saturday as they close out the season at home against Omaha. While they need some help from a couple of other conference teams, a win against the Omaha may keep the Golden Eagles in the mix for the fourth and final spot in the Summit League tournament. 

Prior to the kickoff at the Case Soccer Complex on Saturday, head coach Steve Hayes and his assistants will honor John David James in a senior night ceremony. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Wednesday night's victory improves the Golden Eagles' record to 4-12 overall. It was also the 12th all-time win against the visitors from Wichita, Kan., with no losses during the 12 match series.

The Golden Eagles controlled the ball through the first 45 minutes, outshooting the Jets, 13-6. In the second half, despite just a one shot advantage for the Golden Eagles, the home team took eight corner kicks to none on Newman's end.

Francis, a transfer from Shorter, broke a scoreless in the 29th minute of the match. Teammate Cody Lofgren took control of a loose ball just outside the box on the right side, sending it through the box Francis off the left post, which finished it for the goal.

The Jets tied the match at one goal apiece in the second half as Nathan Madesto was fouled in the box by and ORU defender in the 63rd minute. He capitalized on the free shot, slipping the penalty kick passed a diving Ryan Grashik.

Ten minutes later, Lofgren earned his second assist of the match on the Chavez goal, which ultimately lifted Grashik to his third victory of the season in goal for the Golden Eagles.

Lofgren, one of two Golden Eagles called up during corner kick situations, sent the ball out of the corner into the box. Chavez was waiting to tap the ball into the back of the net.

Grashik finished the match with five saves, while Lofgren added his fourth and fifth assists of the season.