CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Rogers State men's soccer team tallied two first half goals in route to a 2-1 victory over Friends University (Kan.) on Tuesday night at Soldier Field.
With the win, the Hillcats snapped a two-game losing skid. RSU outshot Friends 22-9 but managed to fire just six shots on frame.
The Hillcats took an early lead in the 16th minute of play as Niall Masterson crossed the ball into the box for Bryan Jones on the back post who headed it past the keeper. In the previous two games Jones, who is who always dangerous in the air, has used his head for a goal and an assist.
Just 10 minutes later, Necas Collins doubled the Hillcats lead. Junior Matt Levenson threw the ball in behind the defense to Collins who dribbled it to goal and slotted it past the keeper.
RSU took the 2-0 advantage into the locker room at intermission.
The Falcons cut the Cat's lead in half in the 52nd minute as Rodrigo Barbosa headed the ball into the net off a cross from Brendon Moore.
The Hillcats had several opportunities to put the game away, hitting the post twice in the second half, however the Falcons continued to battle. Friends tested the Cats to the very end as RSU keeper Nathan Inger came up with a big save to preserve the lead in the closing minutes of play.
Inger made three saves on the night, earning the win in goal. Andrew Millington took the loss in the net for the Falcons making four saves while allowing two goals.
Rogers State (3-4) will look to upset No. 13 Missouri Valley on Saturday at Soldier Field. The game is set to kick off at 4 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
