OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 15, 2018) – Oklahoma Christian had a couple of early chances to take a lead against Rogers State and narrowly missed doing so, and the Hillcats responded by turning up the pressure on OC.

The Eagles' defense held tough most of the way, but surrendered a goal in the 61st minute that proved to be the difference as Rogers State left a soggy Eagle Soccer Field with a 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

OC (3-3, 1-1 Heartland Conference) was hoping to build on a 2-0 win over Newman (Kan.) on Thursday and for a time – despite playing with a lineup depleted by injuries to three key players – it looked like the Eagles might do so, despite being outshot 12-2 in the first half and 22-10 for the game.

Eight minutes into the game, senior midfielder Matheus Mantovani threaded a shot through the Rogers State defense that caught the inside of the left post before deflecting away. In the 30th minute, reserve midfielder Anthony Wittenberg nearly connected from a difficult angle, but his shot slid just to the left of the goal.

Rogers State (3-3, 1-1) had a handful of early opportunities, although most of the Hillcats' early shots were off-target. But eventually, as light rain cleared out in the second half and the sun began shining, their constant pressure paid off. Jake Simpson crossed the ball in from the left side of the penalty box and Jaxon Pitt connected on a shot from eight yards out.

OC managed five shots after that, including two on goal by Zourab Tsopourachvili, both saved by Rogers State goalkeeper Chase Coy. Coy finished with three saves.

OC goalkeeper Anthony Trabichet made five saves, raising his season total to 43, tops in the Heartland.

The Eagles will have two more Heartland home games next week, hosting Texas A&M International on Thursday and No. 13-ranked St. Mary's (Texas) on Saturday.