TULSA, Okla. — The Gonzaga men's soccer team closed to within a goal in the second half but fell short in a 5-1 loss to Oral Roberts on Friday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Oral Roberts got out to a fast start with the first goal of each half before Gonzaga could answer with
Theo O'Malley's header in the 63
rd minute. The Golden Eagles then tallied three more to push the score out of reach for GU.
"I don't believe the score and our performance reflect who we are as a program, as individuals or as a team," head coach
Paul Meehan said. "We will step back and look ourselves in the mirror and come back on Sunday a much better team. Although this trip has caused me to ask our players some difficult questions, I'm certain they will respond with the character and maturity that I know is inside each of them. There is no doubt in my mind we can be very successful, but tonight made it clear some things need to change, now."
O'Malley's goal was the sophomore's first of the season and second of his career. The assist came from
Chris Geanon on a cross into the box.
Both teams were busy on the offensive end as the Zags took 14 shots with seven on goal, while the Golden Eagles took 17 shots with 14 on goal. GU keeper
Ben Willis made nine saves, a season high.
GU continues its roadtrip with the second of four straight away from Spokane when they travel to SMU on Sunday for an 11 a.m. kickoff. Live stats and coverage links are available on the men's soccer schedule page at GoZags.com.