ORAL ROBERTS GOLDEN EAGLES (7-4-3, 4-2)
vs 9/4 Denver Pios (10-2-4, 5-1-0) 
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Case Soccer Complex
Time: 7PM
Broadcast: Summit League Network
Stats: ORU

TULSA, OKLA. –  The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles 4-2 (Summit League) are gearing up for one of their toughest tests of the season as they host the nationally ranked Denver Pioneers (Summit League Record: 5-1), who enter Case Soccer Complex as the No. 9 team in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and No. 4 in the Top Drawer Soccer national rankings. With postseason implications on the line, this Summit League clash has all the makings of a must-watch match.

Scouting the Denver Pioneers

Denver comes to Tulsa riding high, boasting one of the best records in the country and a high-powered offense that has made them a national force this season. Led by star players Sam Bassett and Ian Smith, the Pioneers have built an impressive season with a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy. They rank among the top in both offensive output and defensive prowess, making them a well-rounded, formidable opponent.

• Record: 10-2-4, 5-1
• Notable Stats: Averaging two goals a game and opponent being held to 0.88 goals per game.
• Key Players:
  • Sam Bassett – 7 goals, 10 assists
  • Isaac Nehme  – 4 clean sheets, .622 save percentage

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles in the Hunt

The Golden Eagles are ready to defend their home turf against Denver, looking to leverage their strong form at Case Soccer Complex. With a Summit League title in sight, ORU's offense, led by the dynamic duo of Omar Mora and Luis Flores, and its resolute backline, anchored by goalkeeper Joao Mesquita, will be crucial in holding off Denver's dynamic attack.

• Record: 7-4-3, 4-2
• Last Match: W, 3-0 vs. St, Thomas
• Team Leaders:
  • Top Scorer: Omar Mora – 10
  • Assists Leader: Luis Flores and Jose Estrada – 4
  • Goalkeeper: Joao Mesquita – 6 clean sheets, .836 save percentage

Keys to Victory

1. Control the Midfield: ORU's midfielders will have to battle hard against Denver's high-tempo style. Look for Juan Moreno to play a key role in controlling possession and dictating the game's tempo.
2. Capitalize on Set Pieces: Set pieces have been a strength for ORU this season, and in a game that could come down to a single goal, executing on corners and free kicks could be the difference-maker.
3. Defensive Discipline: With Denver's offensive firepower, ORU's backline will need to stay sharp and avoid costly mistakes. Baptiste Boit and the defense must stay organized to keep the Pioneers at bay.

Running it Back

• Head Coach Ryan Bush enters the season 8 wins shy of hitting the century mark of career wins at ORU (97-73-27)
• Luis Flores enters the year listed as one of United Soccer Coaches' 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Players to Watch after a 2023 campaign that saw him break ORU single-season goals scored record (15).
• Flores and Schinieder Mimy were selected to the Summit League Preseason Players to Watch list. This is the second consecutive Player to Watch honor for Mimy and the first for Flores.
• At the end of this past summer, Brian McCurdy was promoted to Associate Head Coach.
• Along with Mimy and Flores, ORU returns starters Jakub Grzesiak, Juan Moreno, and Thiago Patto back for the 2024 season.