Spirit Ride Four-Game Win Streak Into Conference Play

With just one blemish on its non-conference schedule, to defending NAIA National Champions Missouri Valley, the OUAZ men's soccer team starts its journey toward a third consecutive GSAC Championship Game this week. The Spirit will host Menlo College on Thursday night, then welcome in William Jessup for a high-noon matchup on Saturday.

The Spirit did not play Menlo last season, as the Oaks did not participate in any sports during the 2020-2021 school year. The last two times these teams met was the 2019 GSAC Championship Game, where the Oaks took the game and the NAIA National Tournament Automatic Bid in PKs. OUAZ is looking for its first win over Menlo on Thursday.

The last matchup between OUAZ and William Jessup had high stakes as well, with it being a winner-take-all for the GSAC East title in the final game of the regular season. The Spirit jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half, and did not look back as they won 3-0 to advance to the GSAC Championship game. Half of the games in the all-time series have gone to overtime, and the Spirit are 2-0-1 against the Warriors since joining the GSAC.

Sophomore Tom Cohen has really adapted to his new role, and is showing off his talents immensely in the stat sheet. He is currently on a five game point streak, where he has scored five goals in that stretch to go along with five assists.

Kebba Jobe has found the back a lot as of late, as he is tied with Cohen for the team lead in goals with five. Over his last four games, the senior has tallied three goals and two assists as the Spirit have won all four games.

Angel Ramirez has been a key to many Spirit victories this season, as he has played every second of the eight games so far this Fall. Five of Ramirez's seven wins have come via shutout, tying the single-season record set by Yuri Nascimento in the 2019 season.

While the Spirit have top strikers, they also have found a way to spread the offense around as well. Twelve different players have scored at least one goal this season, and 16 players have at least one point.

The team is also making a lot of scoring opportunities, as the Spirit are in the top 25 nationally in corner kicks, as well as assists. OUAZ also has taken four penalty kicks, converting on three of them so far this Fall.

Tickets for both games are still available at ouazspirit.com/tickets. Kickoff for Thursday's game is scheduled for 8 p.m., and Saturday's matchup is set for 12:30 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Tom Cohen: MF; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#7 Kebba Jobe: F; 5' 10"; Senior

#1 Angel Ramirez: GK; 6' 1"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#10 Tom Cohen
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: MF

#7 Kebba Jobe
: 5' 10"; Senior
: F

#1 Angel Ramirez
: 6' 1"; Senior
: GK

Players Mentioned

#10 Tom Cohen

#7 Kebba Jobe

#1 Angel Ramirez

Players Mentioned

#10 Tom Cohen

#7 Kebba Jobe

#1 Angel Ramirez