September 11, 2003

RAMS LOSE TO OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY IN HOME OPENER

Mobile, Ala. - The UM men's soccer team suffered two major blows, as the defending national champions lost their starting goalkeeper and their home opener to Oklahoma Christian University, 4-3, tonight at the Jungle.

In the early goings it was all Rams as they scored a quick goal in the 6th minute. Beating his defender, Jason Miniaci served a ball to the top of the 18 yard box where a patiently-waiting Johani Koivuranta ripped a shot to the top-shelf.

The Eagles struck back in the 7th minute. A foul committed by Rob Longhurst, after he was left 1 vs. 2 as the lone defender, set up a PK for sophomore Matt clark. A solid ground shot that beat goalkeeper Tommi Sarkinnen, tied the score at 1-1.

The No. 2 nationally ranked Rams answered the call yet again, as Jason Miniaci found himself on the receiving end of a Darren Toby assist. Miniaci, centered within the 18 yard box, punched a shot through to give Mobile a 2-1 advantage.

Eagles’ All-American Matt Clark struck again as he scored in the 47^th minute to tie the score 2-2. Clark struck again on another penalty kick after Longhurst committed another foul in the 18-yard box.

The Rams tied the game one last time as Brady Bryant scored in the 50^th minute as the Eagles were unable to clear a corner kick played in by Johani Koivuranta.

Defending against an Eagles’ attack, the Rams’ sophomore keeper, Tommi Sarkkinen came off his line. Mobile defender, Robby Longhurst, blind to a fast approaching Sarkkinen, collided heads with the UM starting keeper. Both left the game with concussions.

Oklahoma Christian’s Robert Mwangi scored the game-winning goal in the 66^th minute to send the Eagles to a 4-0 start on the season.

The Rams, 3-1, hit the road for Rome ,Georgia, early Friday morning as they play in the Berry College tournament this weekend. The Rams will play Berry College on Saturday at noon , and then finish the tournament against Thomas University on Sunday at 1 p.m.