Tigers rally for a 2-1 win over No. 9-ranked Barton
Trailing for the first time this season, the No. 4-ranked Cowley College men’s soccer team rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to defeat No. 9-ranked Barton Community College on Wednesday in Arkansas City.
The victory keeps the Tigers unbeaten on the season with a record of 5-0 and 3-0 in the Jayhawk Conference. Barton falls to 5-3-1 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
"It was essential to secure the win; I am happy because the boys deserved the three points," Cowley head coach Marcos Ribeiro said.
A mistake in the Tigers' back half of the field led to the Cougars benefiting from an own goal by Cowley with less than two minutes remaining in the opening half.
However, Cowley responded early in the second half when Tiger freshman Omar Ocampos headed in a 40-yard free kick by Kanta Ishii less than one minute after halftime.
With the score tied 1-1 and 17:42 remaining, Cowley freshman Yushin Nakano caught Barton off guard by firing in a 25-yard free kick while the Cougars' defenders were still trying to form a wall.
The Tigers made the lead stand up, doubling Barton on shot attempts (16-8).
"Even though we started behind, considering an own goal, the team showed character and overcame all the challenges we faced, controlling the game very well," Ribeiro said.
Tiger goalkeeper Lukas Lowry stopped a pair of shots in the game's final minutes and has allowed only two goals in five games.
Cowley will host No. 12-ranked Dodge City on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The Conquistadors are 6-0-2 and 3-0-1 in the conference. The winner will have sole possession of first place in the Jayhawk Conference.
"There is no time to celebrate. Saturday, we have another tough game," Ribeiro said. "Dodge City is still undefeated, so it's another opportunity for our players to step up and defend our home."