CLAREMORE, Okla. - Necas Collins scored a goal and added a pair of assists in the Rogers State men's soccer team's 3-1 victory over Austin College on Tuesday evening at Soldier Field.
Collins put the Cats on the scoreboard in the 10th minute of the game as he won the ball from a defender at the top of the box fired a shot right at the keeper who knocked it down but was unable to hold onto it. Collins collected the rebound and a poked the ball into the back of the net to give RSU a 1-0 lead.
The Kangaroos earned the equalizer in the 26th minute as James Saulnier crossed the ball into the box off a set piece from 35 yards out where Caleb Walters headed the ball over a mob of players and the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
The score remained knotted at one goal apiece as the troops went to the locker rooms at the break. The Hillcats pounded AC's goal in the second stanza, regaining the lead in the 66th minute of play. Collins threaded the ball through the defense for Matt Levenson who shot it past the keeper.
RSU sealed the win in the 85th minute as Collins headed the ball past the keeper off a defensive deflection to Caleb Pitts who blasted it into the back of the net. It was the Tulsa, Okla. native's first collegiate goal.
Hillcat goalkeeper Nathan Inger made five saves while allowing one goal, earning the complete-game victory in the net. Andrew Celio suffered the loss for the Roos as he made eight saves while allowing three goals.
With the win, the Hillcats hop back on track after suffering a 3-2 loss to No. 13 Mo. Valley on Saturday.
Rogers State (4-5) springs into Sooner Athletic Conference play on Friday as the Hillcats host Oklahoma City University at 4 p.m. The game will be streamed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
