CLAREMORE, Okla.-The Rogers State men's soccer team kicked off Sooner Athletic Conference play with a 3-1 victory over Oklahoma City University on Friday afternoon at Soldier Field.
Things got started in the eighth minute of the game as Danko Kenjic crossed the ball into the box on a corner kick where Mitchell Sowerby headed it to Mohammed Shaban's feet. The sophomore forward blasted it past the keeper for the 1-0 advantage.
RSU took the 1-0 lead into the locker room at the half as the Hillcat defense kept the Stars from taking a shot in the opening stanza.
OCU regrouped at halftime and earned the equalizer in the first minute of the second half. During a scramble in the box, Ryan Hunt beat RSU keeper Nathan Inger near post to knot the score at a goal apiece.
Shaban struck again in the 53rd minute to give the Cats the lead. With chaos in the box after a corner kick, Sowerby passed the ball to Necas Collins. The Kingston, Jamaica native first timed it to Shaban who poked it past the keeper.
The Hillcats earned an insurance goal in the 69th minute as Kenjic dribbled to the end line, beat two defenders and crossed the ball into the box for Collins who headed it past the keeper on the back post.
Nathan Inger earned the win in goal, making two huge saves during tight spots in the contest. Jalen Howard was tagged with the loss, allowing three goals while making six saves.
Rogers State (5-5, 1-0) will return to action on Tuesday as the Cats travel to No. 5 USAO in Chickasha, Okla. at 2 p.m.
