Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Marian men's soccer team saw their historic 2024 season come to an abrupt end on Saturday afternoon, falling in double-overtime against Oklahoma City University by a 3-2 score in the NAIA Tournament Second Round. Marian's season ends with a 14-5-3 overall record.

The Knights held the offensive edge in the opening minutes of the match as they earned two corner kicks in the first six minutes of the match, but were unable to come out with a shot attempt in the contest. Oklahoma City responded by taking the game's first shot in the 10th minute, only to be answered by Donovan Doolittle three minutes later. Foslyn Grant would rip a pair of shot attempts in the 22nd and 23rd minutes, but as the clock rolled into the 24th minute Oklahoma City found a counter-attack, getting a goal from Marco Alongi in the 24th minute to secure a 1-0 lead for the home team.

Marian would fire shots in the 27th and and 41st minutes, but were unsuccessful in their counter, entering the half trailing 1-0. Juan Torres would make a save before half to keep the score 1-0, as the Stars held a 6-5 edge in shot attempts at the break.

The Stars would start the second half on the defensive, denying shots from Yeudiel Sebastian Gonzalez and Foslyn Grant in the period's first 10 minutes. Oklahoma City would add to their lead in the 60th minute, as Alongi scored his second goal of the day to give the hosts a 2-0 lead. With their backs at the wall, Marian went on an offensive assault, taking over possession as they sought out their first goal. In the 72nd minute, Gonzalez was able to deliver for Marian, scoring on a penalty kick to cut the deficit in half. 

Oklahoma City would attempt to add to their lead but saw a set piece end with a high shot attempt. Marian would rally back off the look with an attempt in the 76th minute, and in the 77th minute Josh Wesseling scored unassisted, driving home the equalizing goal. Wesseling would give a goal for the game-winning goal but was blocked by the Stars defense, and with 13 seconds left in regulation Torres came up with a diving save in front of the goal to keep the tie.

Knotted 2-2, Marian and Oklahoma City entered overtime, and in the first extra session Oklahoma City held a 2-1 edge in shot attempts, with Torres making a 99th minute save to keep the tie. In the second overtime, Marian would see their strong defense crack, as OKC scored in the fifth minute of the final period, with Alongi completing a hat trick to seal the game 3-2.

Marian held a 13-12 overall edge in shots in the loss, and had a game-high four shots from Foslyn Grant. Wesseling and Gonzalez both took three shots in the match. In goal, Torres suffered the defeat in 104:18 of game action, making three saves against three goals allowed. 

While the season for Marian ends on a sour note, the Knights made program history in 2024, holding a 14-5-3 overall record and reaching the NAIA Tournament for the first time in program history. 

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