Wichita, Kan. – Friends Falcons men's soccer opened its season against Oklahoma City University. The Falcons were down for a majority of the contest but managed to score two goals with four minutes remaining to earn the victory over the Stars. The Stars opened the scoring in the first half with a goal by Noah Ragozzino, assisted by Matheus Ambrozio. This would be the only shot of the first half for the Stars, but it was successful.
The Falcons had plenty of chances in the first half, totaling 10 shots, eight of which were on goal. OCU goalkeeper Vittorio Di Carlo totaled 13 saves throughout the match. The Stars would take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Friends continued to control the pace of the game and maintain possession of the ball. The Falcons totaled 12 shots in the second half while allowing just one shot from OCU.
Jose Quiel led the Falcons in shots with seven, four of which were on goal. Andrea Michael Xibilia and Diego Marin each recorded four shots, helping lead a relentless Friends offensive attack.
The Falcons were still down by a goal with four minutes remaining. In the 86th minute, Friends finally broke through. Diego Marin scored the first goal for Friends this season to tie the game. Just 22 seconds later, Ben Scognamillo received a pass from Marin and scored the game-winning goal. The Falcons' bench chased Scognamillo up and down the pitch as everyone at Adair-Austin Stadium was on their feet.
The Falcons would go on to win their home opener, 2-1, over the Stars in dramatic fashion.
Next up for men's soccer is Southwestern Christian University. Friends will travel to Bethany, Oklahoma, for a match this Saturday, Aug. 29, with the time still TBD.
