Springfield, Mo. – The SBU men's soccer team continued its dominant start to the 2026 season Tuesday evening, defeating Evangel University 7-0 at Coryell Field. The victory moves the Bearcats to 2-0 on the season, with SBU outscoring its first two opponents 15-0.
The Bearcats broke through in the 21st minute when Nathaniel Velasquez scored his third goal of the season off an assist from Thomas Ladetto. Just over four minutes later, Velasquez helped create another goal, assisting Felipe Gilberti for his first of the season. Gilberti struck again in the 39th minute off assists from Derrick Londono and Justin McPherson to send SBU into halftime with a 3-0 advantage.
SBU continued to pour it on after the break. Christian Cruz scored his first goal as a Bearcat in the 51st minute with Solomon Eduard picking up the assist. Luis Sanchez-Barbudo Cruz followed with a penalty-kick goal just over five minutes later to push the lead to 5-0.
Christian Cruz added his second goal of the night in the 68th minute off an assist from Ramon Diaz. Ilyass Umar capped off the scoring in the 78th minute with his first goal of the season, securing the 7-0 victory.
Gilberti and Cruz led the Bearcats with two goals apiece, while Velasquez finished with a goal and an assist. Six different Bearcats recorded an assist in the victory.
Southwest Baptist controlled the match throughout the night, outshooting Evangel 29-3 and putting 17 shots on goal compared to just one for the Valor. SBU also held a commanding 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
The Bearcat defense earned its second consecutive shutout to begin the season. Jan-Henry Schäfer made one save in just over 58 minutes in goal before Martin King finished out the final 31 minutes without allowing a goal.
Through two matches, SBU has scored 15 goals while allowing just five total shots and no goals from its opponents. The Bearcats take this advantage into GLVC action beginning on Saturday against University of Missouri St. Louis. The match will take place at SBU soccer field with an expected start time of 12p.m.
