Men's Soccer | 10/8/2019 11:50:00 PM

 
GOODWELL, Okla. – Oklahoma Panhandle State University's men's soccer team won its third-consecutive match – and fifth in its last six outings – knocking off the University of Science and Arts-Oklahoma (USAO), 3-2, in a Sooner Athletic Conference bout at Anchor D Stadium at Carl Wooten Field. The Aggies (7-2-1, 3-1 SAC) received another outstanding performance from Cheslon Carollisen in the come-from-behind win over the Drovers (5-5-1, 0-3 SAC).
 
Carollisen, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, had a part of all three of the Aggies goals. With Panhandle trailing at the break, 2-1, Carollisen scored both of his team's second-half goals. The first came in the 74th minute, unassisted to knot matters at 2-2.
 
Carollisen now has a team-leading eight goals on the year.
 
Then, with under five minutes left in regulation, Carollisen took a pass from Nicolas Nieto and tucked it into the back of the net at the 85:20 juncture for what would prove to be the match winner, 3-2.
 
"It's another valuable three-points (in the standings) for us against a quality opponent," OPSU Head Coach Brandon Misuraca said. "It was exciting for us to pull one back and win the match. I thought the back line did extremely well in preventing a lot of attempts on goal."
 
Nick Terry and Draye Richey led that defensive effort, along with goalkeeper Cristhofer Monje.  While the Aggies made several nice stops in the defensive half, Monje turned in 12 saves versus an aggressive Drover attack.
 
Richey played a big part in the Panhandle offense in the first half, as well. With his team down 1-0, Richey received the ball from Carollisen and slammed it past USAO's Pau Celma to tie the contest. It was Richey's first goal as an Aggie.    
 
"We had a game plan going in on that right flank," Misuraca explained. "When Draye stepped in, I thought there was an immediate impact that he made. It was good for him to have a very good match; it makes us just a little bit stronger."
 
As Panhandle looks to remain in the SAC upper echelon – and tries to secure a conference post-season tournament berth in its very first season – the team will get a road test this weekend. The Aggies travel to Southwestern Christian University on Saturday (Oct. 12/4 p.m.). The Eagles are currently just ½ game behind OPSU in the SAC standings.