CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Rogers State men's soccer team failed to capitalize on an abundance of opportunities, dropping its Heartland Conference opener 1-0 to Dallas Baptist at Soldier Field Thursday evening.
The Hillcats peppered the goal in the opening frame with 13 shots compared to DBU's one, but RSU couldn't find the back of the net. The Patriot defense denied the Hillcats the go-ahead goal on several occasions to preserve the scoreless tie at intermission.
The Patriots took advantage of the RSU missed opportunities in the first stanza, taking an early lead in the 48th minute of the game with Alex Becerra scoring his first goal of the season. He redirected a header to the back post off a cross from Cameron Gilber for the 1-0 advantage.
Niall Masterson had an opportunity to tie the match with a shot in the 66th minute that was saved by the Patriot defense after a goalkeeper miscue left the net open, keeping RSU off the board.
The Hillcats continued to fire shots but couldn't put the equalizer in the back of the net. RSU had hope in the final minute of the game with Mitchell Sowerby drawing a foul in the box giving the Hillcats a penalty kick. Danko Kenjic took the free kick that rattled off the bottom of the crossbar and hit the goal line but never fully crossed.
Panic ensued in the final seconds with RSU desperately trying to put the ball in the goal. With 20 seconds remaining, Daniel Sanchez gave the Hillcats their final scoring chance, but the ball missed high from 35 yards out.
RSU fired 23 shots in the contest with the Patriots managing just five.
Cody Gammill suffered the loss, making one save, while allowing the lone goal of the game. Mason Stringer earned the shutout win with seven saves for DBU.
Rogers State (5-3-1, 0-1 HC) returns to Heartland Conference action Saturday as the Hillcats clash with No. 8 St. Edward's at noon inside the friendly confines of Soldier Field. The game can be viewed live on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
