Fast start leads Tiger soccer team to 4-2 home win

The No. 3-ranked Cowley College men's soccer team scored three goals in the first 11 minutes of Wednesday's home game against Dodge City and held on for the 4-2 win.

The Tigers got the scoring started on Thiago Apolinario's goal less than five minutes into the contest. Three minutes later, Sora Funakoshi scored off an assist from Mate Kenyeres to make the score 2-0 in favor of Cowley.

It was then Kenyeres' turn to score as his goal put Cowley in front 3-0 with 34 minutes remaining in the opening half.

"Dodge City is a tough opponent with talented individuals, so it was key for us to start strong," Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz said.

Despite Cowley out-shooting Dodge City 25-6, the Conquistadors would get a pair of goals from Aaron Melgar to pull within 3-2 less than five minutes into the second half. The goals were the first allowed this season by Cowley goalkeeper Kamy Ndione.

With the Tigers controlling play, Cowley would gain some breathing room on Sota Nakazono's goal with 28:42 remaining.

Cowley would hold on for the 4-2 win to improve its record to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Jayhawk Conference.

"We had forwards, midfielders, and defenders score in the win," Vaz said. "We have so many players that can come in and make an immediate impact, which causes a good headache for me."

The loss drops Dodge City's record to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the conference.

The Tiger men will attempt to remain unbeaten when they host Rose State College on Saturday at 3 p.m.

"Rose State is one of the best teams in Oklahoma and is very physical," Vaz said. "We will need our depth and hope to continue to benefit from the tough pre-season games we played."