Photo by Kami Wood
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College men's soccer team hosted the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma Drovers on Tuesday afternoon. Needing one win in their final two games of the season to ensure a spot in the top four of the final Sooner Athletic Conference rankings, and thus host a first round game in the conference tournament, the Tigers were hoping to get it out of the way, taking the pressure off of this weekend's match-up at Southwestern Christian University.
Unfortunately, the Drovers didn't get the memo, and they came out and outplayed the Tigers for 90 minutes resulting in a three nil victory, that left the Tigers scratching their heads, looking for answers. The Drovers led 1-0 at halftime after breaking the scoreless tie in the 37th minute. About ten minutes into the second frame, the Tigers had the wind taken out of their sails when the Drovers were awarded a penalty kick after a ball inadvertently hit the hand of one of the Tiger defenders on a cross by the Drovers. But because the infraction occurred inside the 18 yard box, a PK was given.
Down a brace, the Tigers were unable to recover. The Drovers went on to add a third goal in the 75th minute, putting the nail in the coffin.
Timothy Foster (So. Palm Coast, Fla.), was in goal for the Tigers, suffering the first loss of his career. He faced six shots on goal from the Drovers and finished with three saves.
Coach Hoxie summed up the loss saying, "I will take responsibility for that one. We were bad and that's on me. We were exposed, and that's on me. At the end of 90 minutes, the better team won the day. Fair play to them, they came here, did what they needed to do, and deserved to win the contest."
The Tigers still have a chance to host a first round SAC match but will have to defeat Southwestern Christian University on Saturday, on their home field, which historically has not been kind to the Tigers. However, last year in the NCCAA Regional finals, the Tigers defeated SCU on their home pitch, in overtime. Kick-off Saturday is scheduled for 3:30 pm.
