John Brown University men's soccer team, ranked No. 17, opened the season with a 2-1 victory over Benedictine (Kan.) on August 20. Senior Marco Brizuela scored the game-winning penalty kick late in the second half, marking his impactful return after missing last season. Senior Gabriel Cabrera initially put JBU ahead, setting the stage for a solid win despite a brief equalizer from Benedictine. The Golden Eagles maintained strong defensive play, allowing only one shot on target in the second half. Head coach Ryan Williams also celebrated his first collegiate win as manager.

By the Numbers
  • JBU out-shot Benedictine 14-8 overall, with a 6-1 edge in shots on target.
  • A total of 44 fouls and 6 cautions were recorded during the match.
State of Play
  • JBU secured its first season win, now holding a record of 1-0-0.
  • Benedictine starts the season with a record of 0-1-0 after this match.
What's Next

JBU will take an eight-day break before hosting Mission (Mo.) on August 28 for the First Friday Futbol event. The match will start at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the Urban Edge Network and SAC Sports Network.

Bottom Line

The Golden Eagles showcased resilience in their season opener, combining solid offensive efforts with a strong defensive performance. This win sets a positive tone for the rest of the season as they prepare to face Mission next.