August 25, 2023
Waxahachie, TX - The Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions soccer team began the 2023 campaign against Wiley College on August 25 (Fri) evening at the Lions Athletic Complex in Waxahachie, Texas. The SAGU men's soccer team's first home game would be historic since it would be their first appearance on the newly built Lions Athletics Complex field. Thanks to a carefully planned game plan, a tenacious defense, and gorgeous ball movement, the Lions defeated Wiley College 4-1 in the opening game. The first game's action would be worthy of the momentous event.
Lions Review
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The Lions mercilessly clawed the Wiley Wildcats throughout the match. Ethan Stewart scored the first goal ever inside the Lions Athletic Complex for the SAGU men's program by thumping in the unassisted goal as the sophomore gushed by the defenders during the Lions' fluid and well-executed assault.
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Jafet Ramirez received a feed from John Garcia, who footed it into the goal. After the successive goals, the home fans at the Lions Athletic Complex went wild. The applause shook Waxahachie to its core.
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Ethan Stewart increased the SAGU lead to 3-0 just before halftime, showing no signs of offseason rust. Alex Castro recorded an assist just before halftime.
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Diego Rabago would continue the Lions' scoring frenzy. After collecting an excellent feed from Jorge Flores, Rabago utilized brilliant footwork and ball handling to fool many players en route to the goal.
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In the team's home opener, Ethan Stewart led SAGU with two goals.
Coaches Corner
"We are very proud of the boy's first step in this new upcoming Fall 2023 journey. What a fun experience in playing the first game under the lights on our own SAGU Lion Complex! From the very first day in preseason, we spoke about creating a team culture in which the team's success is more important than the individual performances. Shaping the team's thinking, we hope to produce consistent, highly fun, energetic performances. We are proud of their One Heartbeat mentality; the boys have shown maturity and desire to compete at a different level. When they stay on the same beat & fun rhythm to play joyfully and enjoy every moment, the "beautiful game" will pay them back. Tonight was a totally different vibe and atmosphere & we made it our night. The boys wanted to be the best team on the field, and they showed up. We knew they were ready from the pre-game, and the focus was there. Most of them had not a single regret & should be proud of their 1st performance. We keep on learning & keep on growing every day to be better than yesterday," SAGU head men's soccer Coach Clementin Oancea said.
"Great strong victory from the team. We were pleased with the creativity and confidence in the attacking third, but we know the boys can do much more. We are excited to continue to see this team grow," said SAGU Associate Head men's Soccer Coach Cesar España.
The Next Step
The Lions' next match is against the University of Houston-Victoria on Saturday, September 2 at 3:30 PM in Victoria, Texas.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
