Fifth-Ranked Oklahoma City University Downs Scorpions, 2-0
Posted September 26, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Seventh-ranked Oklahoma City University scored two goals within a five-minute span in the game's final 15 minutes to stop UTB/TSC, 2-0, in men's soccer Friday, September 26, at Stars Field.

The score was exactly the same at the same field in 2007, when OCU ended the Scorpions' season in the NAIA Region VI semifinals with a 14-5-1 record.

UTB/TSC is now 5-3 for the season, while OCU improved to 8-1.

Stephen Sheffield scored in the 75th minute and Alex Gang followed in the 80th minute for the Stars, who had 13 shots including seven on goal. Scorpion goalkeeper Juan Gamboa had five saves.

"We stuck to our game and we limited OKCU to long range shots, they never really got in behind us," Scorpion head coach Dan Balaguero said. "It was disappointing to concede two goals in the last 15 minutes because we struggled to get any quality chances on goal."

OCU's defense suffocated the Scorpions, who could not get off a single shot on goal. An apparent header by Fernando Mendoza in the 88th minute was disallowed by officials.

"OCU is a very-well organized team which will be in the postseason come December," Balaguero said. "We will be up against it tomorrow. I believe in the players and I'm hopeful of a good response tomorrow."

The Scorpions face fifth-ranked Southern Nazarene University in nearby Bethany Saturday, September 27.

UTB/TSC returns home to Morningside Park October 4 to face Northwood University.