Newton, KS - On Saturday, Tiger men soccer traveled down to Newton and took on Bethel College Threshers, losing another closely contested match, 1-2. 
 
In the first half, the Tigers were in conservation mode as they were facing a stiff wind and a determined Thresher side who knew they needed to take advantage of the circumstances. The Tigers were content to concede possession with a deep line, and were in full control of proceedings. Several counter attacking opportunities presented themselves, and the Tigers were unlucky not to find themselves on the positive side of the scoresheet. The game was ground to a slow pace, which favored the Tigers and it would take some individual skill in order to unlock the lines. 
 
That's exactly how things played out, unfortunately. Although the shot seemed savable, replays showed a little deflection which changed the spin of the ball, wrong footing GK Sebastián Herrera. Hoxie added:
 
"I thought we were in complete control of things. They didn't look dangerous at all, and the pace was in our favor. We were simply shifting into spaces and forcing them into non-threatening areas. Unfortunately, a guy made an individual play that did us in. Credit him for it. Still…I thought we were very dangerous on the break, and could have been rewarded on a few occasions."
 
In the second half, the Tigers opened the game up and extended their defense press higher up the field. Forcing a higher speed of play, the Tigers created several chances off of their pressure, including forcing a fine diving save, and a shocking miss inside of 3 yards. As luck would have it, the Threshers would capitalize on a good move to double their advantage moments later. 
 
Hoxie added: "yah…tough 10 minute spell there. How we did not score twice, much less once…is beyond me. That ball goes in 999/1000…so unlucky. Then to concede the game winner after that was a dagger. We really struggled through the middle phase after that. Goals change games, that's for sure."
 
As mentioned, it was all Threshers as they were able to stretch the game, wearing out the Tigers, and punishing them for their lack of goal production. During this phase, the back line held strong under immense pressure, and Sebastian kept the team in it with an unbelievable save off of a point blank shot. Simply out of this world that save. Strangely enough, the save seemed to galvanize the Tiger spirits as they were able to regain control of the match shortly after. Hoxie on the save:
 
"What a save from Seba! I don't have words to express it. His save kept us in the game, and it seemed to jump start us. 3-0 would have been impossible at that point."
 
With 15 minutes left in the half, a corner kick played in from Sammy Jaime was headed in by Edoardo Salmaso. The Tigers were finally rewarded for their stellar set piece play this game. They had 3 headers go over and they smashed the post on another. Dangerous all night but with no end product, there was nothing to show for it. 
 
With minutes to play, Drew Schrader was able to find a pocket of space in the box, but his shot produced a full extension save from the GK. With 45 seconds left Drew found Johnny at the back post, but his volley was saved again by the GK. It was there for the taking and perhaps if there was 5 more minutes an equalizer could have come, but with the final whistle the Tigers dropped another close match. Hoxie's final comment:
 
"Very proud of the kids tonight. We didn't get out played. I thought we executed the tactical game plan very well and gave ourselves a chance to win. This is the breaks of the game though and that's why it is the best sport in the world. I believe we just ran out of time tonight. Give us a few more minutes, and I think we equalize, then go on to win it."