KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Freshman forward Christian Okeke turned in an impressive college debut by scoring a pair of goals and the team's active career scoring leader, Wojciech Wojcik, netted the game-winner in the 114th minute, lifting Bradley to a 4-2 exhibition men's soccer victory Saturday night at Kansas City.
The game was scheduled for a 120-minute contest and the extra 30-minute period saw the teams combine for three goals. After the Kangaroos pulled even on Asher Herbet's goal in the 106th minute, Wojcik nodded home the winner from 10 yards out to finish an Aaron Birk cross at 113:50. Okeke, who scored the game's opening goal with an 18-yard blast in the 29th minute, tacked on the final score with a 117th minute breakaway.
Another first-year Brave, senior forward Alon Badat, gave Bradley a 2-0 lead by directing a Desmond Campbell cross into the back of the net in the 41st minute.
Both teams played 23 players in the extended scrimmage. While the Braves did start nine veterans in the field, senior goalkeeper Brian Billings gave way to Bradley's other two keepers Saturday. Sophomore Shay Niemeyer made six saves in 61 scoreless minutes as the starter between the pipes, while redshirt freshman Logan Ketterer allowed both UMKC goals, but made four saves in his 59 minutes.
Okeke led the Braves with five shots Saturday, including three on goal. Kansas City outshot Bradley 25-22 for the game, though the Braves held a 10-7 advantage in the extra period.
Following its only exhibition game of the preseason, Bradley officially will open the 2013 campaign next weekend by hosting Evansville, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in The Hotels at Grand Prairie Classic at Shea Stadium. Friday's 7 p.m. opener against New Hampshire will be Back 2 School/Camper Reunion Night and the first 500 kids in eighth grade and younger will receive a Bradley window cling. Little Braves Club members will receive a private tour of Shea Stadium and will have the first opportunity to pick up their membership t-shirts, while former Central Illinois Soccer Academy campers will be invited to join the Braves on the field during the national anthem by contacting, in advance, Brooke Buzard at busportsmarketing@bradley.edu or 309-677-4659.
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Provide every student-athlete the opportunity for both a distinctive education and championship experience
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