Lions Rebound, Boot DCC, 3-1

Lessons Abound in Triumph

RICHARDSON, Texas  --  The challenges that athletic teams face are legion. Factor in a new coach and philosophy combined with the chemistry dynamics of meshing many new players into the mix, only ensure there will be tests along the way.

The Southwestern Assemblies of God University men's soccer team is no exception. Aaron DeLoach, the new Head Coach, has brought new vision and energy while directing a futbol version of Extreme Team Make-Over. The transformation from "Before" to "After" will invoke its share of growing pains and will require time to complete the task.

It reminds some of a classic episode of Charlie Brown, in which he said:  Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night."

Thursday night saw the fruit of a team bent on learning lessons and demonstrating as much on the soccer pitch.

Behind an offense that has many scoring weapons, the Lions built a 2-0 first half lead and went on to defeat Dallas Christian College by a 3-1 count. The victory upped SAGU's record to 4-3.

Goals by Ballah, Swearingen and Segundo

Joe Ballah (Charlotte, NC / Independence HS) and James Swearingen (Arlington, Tx / Home School) booted first half goals. After a handball violation against the Lions gave the Crusaders a penalty kick goal after intermission, the game began to get physical.

However, the Purple Pride held off the 'Saders and iced the game with a great goal down the stretch.

Sam Cabrera (Tampa, Fla / Hillsborough Community College) sent a high cross over the middle to Jonathan Segundo (Red Oak, Tx / Red Oak HS). The freshman forward brought it down, then, using a few nifty moves, beat his man in the box. He capped the play with a thundering left-foot inside the far post to clinch the game.

Coach DeLoach praised his team afterwards and spoke of the team and lesson-learning process.

"The game was extremely physical," he said Thursday night. "But through the adversity God spoke to our team about the work he wants to do through a team that will view the game with spiritual eyes. Otherwise, we will see winning as the main objective. We are listening, learning and we're getting there!"

Home Game on Saturday

The Lions return to the field on Saturday, September 18, when Bethany College visits Southwestern Field for a 1:00pm game. It follows the Lady Lions contest, which starts at 11:00am. The BC men's team, the Swedes, are 0-3-1. They play the University of Dallas in Irving on Friday at 5:00pm.  

The SAGU women's team was scheduled to play Dallas Christian on Thursday at 5:00pm. However, for the second time this fall, DCC postponed the game. A make-up date has not been set. The Lady Lions routed the Lady Crusaders a year ago, 8-0.

Team Lioness meets Bethany (1-3) on Saturday morning. The Sweded have been outscored 22-3 so far this season.