Tiger soccer team repeats as District Champs

Freshman Mate Kenyeres scored the biggest goal in his career as a Cowley College Tiger as his overtime goal lifted the No. 15-ranked Tiger men's soccer team to a 2-1 win over 13^th-ranked Johnson County in the title game of the Plains District Soccer Tournament Saturday in Wichita.

Kenyeres' goal helped Cowley repeat as District Champs.

"I am very proud of our players and coaching staff," Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz said. "We have worked so hard to achieve this feat again, and our hard work keeps paying off."

Saturday's championship game was scoreless until the 65^th minute when Cowley forward Yuki Nakamura scored an unassisted goal. 

The Cavaliers tied the match at 1-1 in the 80^th minute when Ashton Owen fired a shot in the back of the net on a loose ball off a corner kick. 

The game would remain tied at the end of regulation and for nearly nine minutes of overtime when Kenyeres netted the game-winner, sending Cowley to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament to be played November 13-19 in Melbourne, FL.

"I am so happy for Naka and Mate for stepping up and being clutch; they deserve it," Vaz said.  

Cowley outshot the Cavaliers 28-6 and 12-3 on shots on goal. 

"Johnson was a very tough opponent; they defend the box really well and have so much physicality," Vaz said. "We had to be extremely patient to find the right gaps, and our players were locked in and showed great maturity."

Cowley improves its record to 14-4 on the season, with three of the losses coming by forfeit. Johnson finishes the season with a record of 14-7.

This marks the fourth time in the past five seasons that Cowley has earned a chance to compete at the national tournament.

"It just shows how consistent we have been as a program. We are always hungry and work diligently to make things happen," Vaz said. "The boys know that preparation is key."

The Tigers will be one of 12 teams to compete at the national tournament.

"Obviously, we will have a go at the National Title; we have been preparing for that, but being one of the top 12 teams in the country is already a big honor," Vaz said. "The boys should be proud. We will do our best to represent our community, families, and fans."