EDMOND, Okla. (Sept. 9, 2021) – Coach Evan Dresel said Oklahoma Christian needed to take the 2021 season one day at a time, improving in every match and never failing to work hard. 
 
Thursday marked day one in the Eagles 17-match 2021 season, as they opened the season at Central Oklahoma.  
 
The Eagles (0-1) and the Bronchos (2-1) had met 12 times over the course of the OC program's history, and the Bronchos had been on the winning side in all 12 of those matchups. In their 13th meeting, the Eagles could not rewrite the story as the Bronchos won 4-0 at Tom Thompson Field. 
 
The Bronchos attacked quickly and early on against the Eagles' defense, using the big ball from their defenders to put their strikers in good position. Eagles defended the midfield well and were able to challenge the ball in the middle, which led to the Bronchos having success with set pieces and the long ball instead. 
 
Sophomore Monika McGee began the scoring for UCO with two goals — the first a header from a free kick in the 16th minute and the second a strike from 20 yards out in the 22nd minute.
 
The Eagles did mount multiple attacks, recording six shots total and four of those on frame. Freshman Katie McCullock lead the Eagles in the attack, flying up the field from the outside defender position, recording two shots on goal. The Eagles boasted two good looks in the second half off two corner kicks, both resulting in open looks at the net, but failed to connect. 
 
UCO opened the second half with a goal from sophomore Brooke Moore in the 46th minute and the final goal of the night was scored by sophomore Eden Jones in the 68th minute. 
 
Despite giving up 11 shots on goal, the Eagles held the Bronchos to just four goals, which showed great defensive shape, pressure and stellar goalkeeping from the Eagles two goalkeepers. 
 
Sophomore Gabby Goddard, who started the match and played 53 minutes, recorded four saves, and freshman Ashlee Jackson played 37 minutes with three saves. 
 
After the match, Dresel, in his Oklahoma Christian coaching debut, said he was happy with how his team fought on the pitch.  
 
"I was actually pretty happy with the way we worked," Dresel said. "We came out a little nervous in the first half, but I thought in the second half we came out ready to take the game. I saw plenty of good pieces we can build on for Saturday's matchup at home." 
 
Dresel and the Eagles will play their home season opener this Saturday against Washburn (Kan.) at 5 p.m.