CLAREMORE, Okla. - A pair of second half goals by freshman Mohammed Shaban lifted the Rogers State men's soccer team past Avila University on Tuesday afternoon at Soldier Field.
After playing nearly 48 minutes without a goal, RSU broke the scoreless tie. Senior Ryan Coffman dribbled through the middle of the field and slotted the ball through the AU defense to Shaban who ran onto the ball and beat the goalkeeper near post.
The Eagles had a chance to tie the score in the 75th minute of play. Josh Grimes slipped through the defense and was one on one with RSU goalkeeper Nathan Inger. Inger came off his line and saved the Hillcats from giving up a goal.
Shaban put the game away in the 77th minute of play. Nathan Garcia put the ball in the box with a long throw in. Shaban controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed it past the keeper.
The Hillcats had several chances to take the lead in the opening half. RSU hit the crossbar twice before halftime. With under 20 minutes to play Shaban crossed the ball into the box for senior Henrique Sousa who blasted the ball at the goal however, he came up short as he hit the crossbar. Ten minutes later a Devon Williams header hit the crossbar and kept the Cats off the scoreboard. Shaban recorded the final opportunity of the half for RSU as he beat the defense but missed the goal wide.
The Hillcats registered their second shutout in three games as Inger earned his first win in goal, making three saves.
Rogers State (2-1) returns to action on Thursday, September 15 at home against Bacone College at 7 p.m.
