OTTAWA, Kan. Central Methodist held off a second-half Ottawa rally on Wednesday evening for a 4-3 victory at Peoples Bank Field. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last four matches.

Central Methodist (4-2-1) struck first with a goal by reigning NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week Ricardo Valsien off a pass by Erwin Sanchez Jr. in the sixth minute. The Eagles increased their lead on the Braves to 2-0 in the 14th minute on a goal by Guilherme Frota, who was assisted by Daniel Vieira.

Ottawa (2-4) cut into the deficit in the 19th minute. Jacob Martin served up a ball to Zack Hanks who was able to put the ball in the back of the net. The Green and Black countered with a goal in the 22nd minute by Frota off of a pass by Sanchez Jr.

Ottawa cut into the deficit on Nathan Merkel's first career goal in the 52nd minute off a pass by Andres Perez. The Eagles' Mykhael Bain scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 63rd minute with help from Brendon Boucaud and Cesar Golfetti to make the score 4-2. The Braves' Kyler Grimes scored in the 67th minute off a pass by Sean Hammond, but Central Methodist goalkeeper Carlos Ribera (4-2-1) stoned Ottawa's offense down the stretch to preserve the victory.

Ribera made three saves in 90 minutes.

Ottawa netminder Drinnan Sante (2-4) recorded eight saves Wednesday.

The Eagles had a 20-9 advantage in shots and a 12-6 edge in shots on goal.

Central Methodist hosts William Woods (Mo.) on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Kickoff from Davis Field is set for 5 p.m. CT.