Scorpions Eliminated by Oklahoma City University

Posted November 5,  2007
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- The dream season is over.

Oklahoma City University, the NAIA's 13th-ranked team, ended a beautiful first season for Scorpion soccer with a 2-0 win in the NAIA Men's Soccer Region VI semifinal game Monday, November 5, at Harmon Field on the OCU campus.

The Scorpions finish their season with a 14-5-1 record.

OCU advances to the regional championship game against Southern Nazarene University Tuesday will be facing Oklahoma City University, the NAIA's 13th-ranked soccer team in the nation, in a NAIA Region VI semifinal showdown at Harmon Field on the OCU campus.

"We gifted them two goals," Balaguero said. "Against a quality team like OCU, you can't afford any mistakes."

Although Oklahoma City dominated the first half, it appeared that the Scorpions would go into halftime scoreless.

But in a quick strike, Matt Williams scored with only 73 seconds left in the first half, with an assist by Ryan Trudgian.

In the second half, Alex Gang scored from 20 yards out with an assist by Luke Garvey with 22:40 left in the game.

OCU had 13 shots on goal in the first half compared to only two by the Scorpions. UTB/TSC played better on offense in the second half, but still had only seven shots on goal compared to 22 by OCU.

Scorpion goalkeeper Juan Gamboa had eight saves.

The Scorpions' best chance at scoring came with about three minutes left in the game, when Mark McCormick's shot from about 15 yards out hit the left post, and rebounded back to Filiberto Cortinas. But Cortinas also missed a chance to cut the lead.

"I'm disappointed about tonight, but it was a great first season," Balaguero said. "When we get back, it'll be time to get to work and start recruiting for next season. Now that the guys have tasted the playoffs, we want to get back to this level and do even better next year."