Despite only scoring one goal in a 3-1 loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan University junior varsity in a scrimmage on Thursday, Northeastern A&M Golden Norsemen head coach John Parrigon learned a lot about his young team.


The Golden Norse continue the preseason Sunday with a 7 p.m. scrimmage in Ozark, Mo., against the University of Central Missouri's club team.
"This is actually a neutral field and is half way between the two schools," Parrigon said. "We needed to try and fit another scrimmage in before we open the regular season against junior college teams."
NEO begins the season on Thursday by hosting Neosho County Community College of Chanute, Kan., at 4 p.m. on the new synthetic turf of Robertson Field. Coach Lisa Bell's Norse host Neosho County at 2 p.m.
"We're excited about being able to get to play on the new turf and in a new venue," Parrigon said. "Most of our players grew up playing on synthetic surfaces so they know what to expect."
The Golden Norse hosted the OKWU Eagles on the grass surface of their practice pitch. "We were originally scheduled to play this match at Bartlesville," Parrigon said. "But, because of the rains we had last week their drainage system couldn't handle the volume so we moved the matches here."
After grabbing a 1-0 lead late in the first half, the Eagles built a 2-0 margin at the 56:15 juncture. 
Sophomore Jose Escobedo from Tulsa East Central scored NEO's lone goal on a corner kick with 61:21 showing on the clock to cut the deficit to a 2-1 margin.
"We really had the momentum for a little while but Oklahoma Wesleyan's experience took over late in the match and they scored at the 70 second mark," Parrigon said. "After all, they were 19-1-1 last season in NAIA competition and they have everybody back.
"Our midfield is strong and our defense is very strong," Parrigon said. "We played a lot of people and found out that we have a lot of versatility at every position."