Welcome Back Cap! Malenovic Scores Twice as USAO Defeats Southwestern in Season Opener

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0 SAC) overcame a slow start and opened the 2025 season with a 3-1 victory against Southwestern College (0-1, 0-0 KCAC). With the triumph, the Drovers extended their win streak at McLaughlin Field, owning an 8-0-3 record on their home turf since Oct. 12, 2023.

Southwestern wasted no time to claim the lead, scoring their only goal less than a minute into the contest. The Moundbuilders remained in front until the 34^th minute when Matija Malenovic pulled the score even on a penalty-kick. The half concluded with 11 minutes of scoreless action.

Following halftime, the Drovers seemed to be in full control and claimed a 2-1 lead in the 52^nd minute as Fernando Espinal found the back of the net for the first time in green and gold. 30 minutes later, Malenovic scored his second of the game to give the Drovers some insurance, prior to closing out the match and claiming their first win of the season. 

As a team, USAO attempted 19 shots, with 11 being on goal, while Southwestern attempted seven shots, two of which were on target. The Moundbuilders were whistled for 12 fouls, while the Drovers committed 20 infractions. Both teams attempted four corner kicks.

Angel Diaz got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped one shot to improve his record to 16-12-8 at USAO. 

Matija Malenovic appeared in his first game since 2023, after missing all of last season with a knee injury, and the Drovers captain made an immediate  impact in his return to the pitch. In his incredible career at USAO, he has appeared in 58 games and has tallied 12 goals and 13 assists for a total of 37 points. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will hit the road to face Sterling College on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT in Sterling, Kan.

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