Segundo, Swearingen Lift Lions to 2-1 Win

SAGU Holds Off Late Central Christian Rally

WAXAHACHIE, Texas  --  Led by their speedy offense and by a stingy defense, Southwestern Assemblies of God University thumped Central Christian College, 2-1, on Friday afternoon.

First-half goals by Jonathan Segundo (Red Oak, Tx / Red Oak HS) and James Swearingen (Arlington, Tx / Home School) were enough to hold off a late rally by the previously unbeaten Tigers, now 2-1-1.

SAGU appeared to catch CCC flatfooted with their aggressive offense throughout the first 35 minutes. Quick forwards found seams in the Tigers defense, and pinpoint passes had the game looking like it could get away from the visitors. But, as they have been prone to do in recent contests, SAGU was unable to put away the pesky Tigers, who got up off the canvas to mount an impressive comeback.

The Lions, however, were fortunate to have another stellar showing by three defensemen and netminder Cesar Galvan (Dallas, Tx / Lovejoy HS). Throughout the contest, the play of senior Samuel Cabrera (Tample, Fla / Hillsborough Community College) stymied any serious bid to score by Central. Brenden Kowalski (Tomball, Tx / Tomball HS) and David Flores (Farmers Branch, Tx / R.L. Turner HS) united to form a last line of defense that was very effective.

Late in the game the Tigers were awarded a penalty kick, which Kasey Sidor buried with only 12:32 remaining. While CCC tried valiantly for the equalizer, they had only one serious chance for a second tally. A bazooka blast off the leg of Charlie Schlott, who scored a hat trick in his previous game, hit the crossbar.

Central outshot SAGU 15-11, had four of the game's five cornerkicks, and had a decisive edge in a game that was very physical. Rarely does a visiting team receive the advantage in foul calls the Tigers were afforded, as they had only one whistle against them on Friday. SAGU was cited for 16 fouls.

"We scored two great goals," said Head Coach Aaron DeLoach. Joe Ballah (Charlotte, NC / Independence HS) sent a through ball to Segundo, who got behind the Tigers' defense. The well-placed assist led to Segundo's kick from 12 yards out. He one-timed the ball past the goalie, Curtis Flaming.

Swearingen's was worthy of placement on ESPN's Top 10 plays, according to DeLoach. "It was an absolute bomb from 30 yards away," he said of the score that came at the 38:21 mark. Segundo had taken a pass near the outer edge of the penalty area. As he turned to make a play, he was belted in the side of his head. The ball deflected off of his right leg, ricocheting all the way to Swearingen. He unloaded a deep blast fireball from the right flank that sailed over Flaming and into the upper corner of the left side of the net. It sent the crowd roaring.

 "Defensively," DeLoach praised, "Sam is winning everything out of the air, and denying shots and crosses everywhere. On the rare occassion he is not there Cesar comes up huge with great saves. They would be goals against any other keeper."

The coach added that the physical contest did leave a few marks, likely forcing Lane Best (Tomball, Tx / Tomball HS) to sit out Saturday's game. "But I expect everybody to be ready for the game on Saturday night against Concordia."

The new coach had plenty of positives to say about Central, listing their organized play and added "they were match fit," a tribute to their conditioning. He mentioned Ivory Washington, Gunner Kelly and Schlott as arguably their best three players. "Those three really raised the level for those around them."

Southwestern travels to Austin on Saturday to face Concordia University for a 7pm clash.