Late goal helps No. 16-ranked Barton shock third-ranked Tigers

In a rivalry game between two of the best teams in the Jayhawk Conference, Wednesday's matchup between the No. 16-ranked Barton County men's soccer team and the third-ranked Cowley College Tigers lived up to its billing. The teams were deadlocked in a scoreless tie for the majority of the contest until Barton's Lucas Constante's goal with 2:16 left helped lift the Cougars to the 1-0 win.

Cowley was unable to take advantage of having the 20-mile per hour wind at its back in the opening half. After falling behind in the final minutes, the Tigers continued to battle but were turned away by Barton goalkeeper Dennis Bottcher who notched his third shutout of the season.

The goal by Constante was set up by a punt from Bottcher that was headed at midfield to a streaking Tajay Grant, whose shot hit the right post before Constante was there for the putback.

Barton, which was playing its home-opener, is now 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the Jayhawk West. After winning its first five games, Cowley is now 5-1 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

"We had a decent performance, but that is not enough when you play against a rival and ranked opponent," Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz said. "Barton is a team that can be dangerous in transition, and they were very motivated to play this game. We were not concentrated enough and lacked intensity at times, so they were able to punish us."

Tiger goalkeeper Rafael Furlani was solid in goal as he stopped seven of the eight shots he faced.

Cowley will look to start a new winning streak when they play at Kansas City Kansas Community College Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Kansas City is now 1-4 overall and 0-3 in the conference.

"The players were not happy with their performance against Barton, so I'm sure we will get back together and do a better job," Vaz said. "KCK is always a tough opponent; they are strong and physical and will be a good challenge."