Photo by Kami Wood
Lindsborg, Kan. – A week after their 2023 season opener, the Central Christian College women's soccer team was back on the pitch against the Bethany College Swedes. The Tigers opened last week at home with a tough loss to crosstown rival McPherson College, but played most of the match with just nine players. This week, the Tigers were on the road for the first time, and had a full complement of players available for the match. The extra bodies gave the Central ladies a much different look, and loads more confidence. They played the host Swedes to a 1-1 draw, a positive result considering where they were just seven days prior.
The first 45 minutes was relatively uneventful with the Swedes holding a slim 3-2 advantage in shots, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. All the action happened in a five minute span in the second half. The Tigers got in on the action first in the 67th minute when Aliyah Moya (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) found the back of the net on an assist from Stephanie Zazueta (Fr., San Tan Valley, Ariz.). Bethany was able to crack the Tiger defense in the 72nd minute to tie the game 1-1, where it would stay the final 18 minutes.
Katelyn Beckman (So. Colorado Springs, Colo.), was in goal for the Tigers. She stopped five of the six shots she faced on goal from the Swedes.
Second year head coach, Joshua Macharia summed up the draw with the Swedes by saying, "We have come a long way since the last game! We had a complete team with two subs and the girls really played with confidence and poise. We created more chances and we defended with great assurance. A 1-1 tie was a fair score line everything considered but I am really proud of my team."
With the draw, the Tigers are now 0-1-1. They have a tough week upcoming with games on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, all on the road. They open with Sterling College on Monday, then got to Bethel College Wednesday, then wrap up the week with a trip to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Harris-
Stowe University.
