Drovers Claim Top 10 Road Win at #9 Bellevue

BELLEVUE, Neb. – Tuesday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-1-3, 0-0 SAC) wrapped up non-conference play with an impressive 3-2 triumph on the road at No. 9 ranked Bellevue University (6-2-1, 0-0 CAC). 

The Bruins wasted no time to claim the lead, striking the back of the net in the 2^nd minute of the contest. However, the Drovers would pull the score even as Matija Malenovic scored his seventh goal of the season, assisted by Igor Kothaj in the 15^th minute. The score remained locked at 1-1 for the remainder of the half.

Following halftime, the Drovers quickly claimed the lead as Matija Malenovic capitalized on a penalty-kick in the 51^st minute. Malenovic's eight goals this season is the fifth-most in the NAIA.

In the 71^st minute, USAO stretched the lead to 3-1 as Archie Floate scored his first of the season, assisted by Jamal Brooks. 

Down but not out, Bellevue cut their deficit to 3-2 as they headed in a corner kick in the 88^th minute. The USAO defense held strong in the final minute to wrap up the big win on the road.

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 11 shots, with four being on goal, while Bellevue attempted 18 shots, seven of which were on target. The Bruins were whistled for eight fouls, while the Drovers committed nine infractions. Furthermore, the physical contest featured five yellow cards, two issued to USAO and three to Bellevue. Both teams attempted six corner kicks.

Angel Diaz got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped five of the seven shots that came his way, to improve his record to 19-13-11 as a Drover.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now return home to begin conference-play against John Brown University on Saturday, Sept. 27. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT at McLaughlin Field.

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