CLAREMORE, Okla. – A penalty kick goal in the first half by Newman downed the Rogers State men's soccer team, 1-0, on Saturday (Oct. 15) afternoon at Soldier Field.
 
The Hillcats suffered a tough break as a sliding challenge in the box saw the ball bounce off the arm of a RSU defender to award the Jets a free kick in the 25th minute of the game. Newman's Luca Anelli put the penalty kick in for a 1-0 advantage in the first half that would be enough in a key conference match for both teams.
 
With three wildcard spots up for grabs for the conference playoffs, the Jets gained a four-point advantage on the top spot with three points today. The Hillcats are currently one point out of the final spot with four games remaining in conference play.  
 
The navy and red challenged the NU goalkeeper early with two shots on goal in the first eight minutes. Niall Smith and Riggie Gonzalez both put a shot on target.
 
With a strong wind at their backs in the second half, the Hillcats found more opportunities with a 6-3 advantage in shots. Smith and Jake Simpson each had second-half shots sail high, and the Hillcats couldn't capitalize on four corner kicks in a five minute span. RSU had three late headers, including a close attempt from Matt Price that went just wide in the final minutes.
 
For the game, NU held a slight 13-11 advantage in shots with a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.   
 
Chris Sowder finished with a game-high three shots, including one on goal. Smith and Simpson added two shots.
 
Cody Gammill ended the game with five saves in 90 minutes while allowing the one penalty kick goal.
 
RSU continues its stretch of home contests with Texas A&M International on Thursday (Oct. 20) at 7:30 p.m. for Senior Night. Coverage will be available on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.