Tigers avenge lone defeat, knock off sixth-ranked Barton 3-0
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barton Community College (13-3-0, 7-2-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Cowley County Community College (11-1-0, 6-1-0) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Ever since suffering its lone loss of the season at Barton County back on September 14, the Cowley College men's soccer team has looked forward to facing the Cougars again. Playing No. 6-ranked Barton County Wednesday in Arkansas City, the fourth-ranked Tigers gave a dominating performance in the 3-0 victory.
"It was a very important win and a solid performance by our guys," Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz said. "Barton is very dangerous in offensive transition with their fast players, so we had to be organized and compact with and without the ball."
Cowley's sixth victory in a row moves the Tigers (11-1) into sole possession of first place in the Jayhawk West with a record of 6-1. Barton County (13-3) falls to 7-2 in conference play.
The Tigers got the scoring started midway through the opening half when Yuki Sekiguchi sent a well-executed shot into the top corner of the goal. With one minute left in the first half, Mate Kenyeres would add an unassisted goal off a corner kick to give Cowley a 2-0 lead.
Yuto Toyoizumi would add his second goal of the season after Sekiguchi weaved his way through defenders and found Toyoizumi open in front of the Barton goal.
"Yuki (Sekiguchi) was terrific, he is peaking at the right time, and we need a player that can wreak havoc on the flanks," Vaz said. "I am happy for him."
Rafael Furlani had to make just two saves while recording his fifth shutout of the season.
"Our back line made us feel safe; they were outstanding," Vaz said.
Cowley will continue its challenging schedule by hosting No. 15-ranked Coffeyville Community College (9-4-1) Saturday at 4 p.m.
"We have good depth this season, and players are stepping up, but we need a bit more consistency," Vaz said. "We will keep working as we have another great battle against Coffeyville and will need to be focused."
