Photo by Kami Wood
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College men's soccer team improved to 3-0-2 on the year with a 3-1 win, at home on Saturday over the visiting Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes.
The Tigers took the early lead, with a goal in the 8th minute of the opening half. Drew Schrader (Sr. McPherson, Kan.) took the ball down the right side and crossed the ball to the top of the 18 to Marco Cherchi (So. Fontaneto D'Agogna, Italy). Cherchi cut the ball back to his right foot then fired a ball, far post into the side netting for his first goal of the season.
Nine minutes into the second frame, Schrader and Cherchi connected again to put the Tigers up 2-0. A Minute later, Schrader found himself with the ball again at the top of the 18. He took a shot from the left side that appeared to be going just wide of the far post, but Logan Signh, (So. Colorado Springs, Colo.), was in perfect position on the weak side behind the defense. He sprinted in to make sure the ball found the back of the net giving Schrader his third assist of the night.
The Coyotes got on the board in the 60th minute on a free kick from the right side of the 18 near the touch line making the score 3-1. The final 30 minutes was played at a much more frantic pace. The Coyotes continually put pressure on the Tiger defense, but the Tigers were able to absorb the pressure without conceding any more goals. Rodolfo Rodriguez (Jr. Mission Viejo, Calif.) had a great game between the pipes for the Tigers. He finished night with five saves, the majority of those coming in the second half.
Coach Hoxie summed up the contest saying, "Today was about guts…plain and simple. We had no healthy first team centerbacks, a couple guys spiking fevers, guys playing out of position, and two players playing 90 minutes for the first time in their careers. It was a battle of kings, an example to all those who experienced the spectacle, as they watched men build the wall with their shields. The intensity in which they demonstrate their love for each other, not to achieve a mantle, but to achieve a deep longing for purpose and meaning that only this sport can bring…simply put, brings tears to the eyes. They protect the gates with their blood."
"In terms of soccer…it was fine. We scored more than they did, and that is how the metric of the sport is measured. If we continue to do this, then we will have a successful season that only the ravens will remember when it's all said and done. Of course, we will continue this pursuit to its end."
The Tigers have not lost a game thus far this season. They will put their streak of positive results on the line again this weekend when they go on the road to play Ecclesia College in Springdale, Arkansas. Game time Saturday is slated for 4:00 pm.
