McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College women's soccer were finally able to play their first official game of the season at home on Friday afternoon. Last weekend's season opener was postponed due to weather, and then their scheduled game this past Tuesday was canceled.
This time however, there were no issues, and the Tigers were able to record a full 90 minutes of soccer against the Sterling College Warriors. Statistically, the Tigers dominated the stat sheet and the time of possession on the field, but struggled in their offensive third of the field. The two teams played to a 0-0 draw for the first 45 minutes though the Tigers had 14 total shots in the opening frame, to just four for the Warriors.
In the second half, the story was the same for just over 42 minutes. The Tigers continued to control play, and even though the Warriors appeared to be fatigued, they couldn't find a way to capitalize. Finally in the 88th minute, Daniela Vargas served a ball near the penalty spot in the 18 yard box. Amaya Chaffee, collected the ball, cut it back to her right foot, and then slotted a ball in to the side netting of the far post, past the diving Warrior goal keeper.
From there, the Tigers held on the final 2:30 to claim their first victory of the season.
Freshman Katelyn Beckman was between the pipes for the Tigers. She faced just one shot on goal from the Warriors, recording the save and picking her first collegiate win, and clean sheet. Offensively, the Tigers took 30 total shots, but were only able to place 11 of them on frame.
First year head coach, Joshua Macharia summed up the win saying, "I am proud of the girls' resilience and persistence as we played against a determined opponent. We played well and it was good to be rewarded with our first win of the season. We have a foundation to build on."
The Tigers will be back on the pitch, Monday evening at 7:00 pm, resuming their game with Bethany that was postponed from last weekend. The game will begin with a penalty kick for the Tigers with 35:10 left to go in the 2nd half.
