CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Rogers State men's soccer team scored twice in the first 14 minutes to build an early 2-0 lead en route to a 3-1 win over Southwest Baptist on Sunday at Soldier Field. With the victory, the Hillcats move to 2-0 for the second time in the last three seasons.
 
Sophomore striker Jake Simpson broke through, tallying his first career RSU goal to put the Hillcats in front, 1-0 in the ninth minute as he knocked in a goal from six yards. Kevin Kwarteng and Danny Sanchez both got an assist on the early goal. Less than six minutes later, the Hillcats increased the edge to 2-0 with a left-footed one-time goal from Riggie Gonzalez off a cross from Niall Smith.
 
The Bearcats got on the board in the 38th minute to pull to within one score at 2-1.
 
Although the Hillcats held only a one-goal lead at halftime, they controlled play in the first 45 minutes, totaling 11 shots to four from SBU. Four of those strikes were on target with the two goals.
 
In the second half, the two teams were more even in play; however, an RSU goal in the final minute ended all hope for the visiting Bearcats as the Hillcats pulled out to a 3-1 advantage. Kevin Kwarteng beat two defenders down the left side and fired from 15 yards to the back post for the final RSU goal. Simpson got the assist on the insurance goal from Kwarteng.
 
RSU also held a slight edge in shots in the second half, 11-10. For the contest, the host Hillcats finished with 21 shots to 13 from the Bearcats.
 
Cody Gammill started in goal and went the first 38 minutes, allowing the one goal and making one save. Junior Walker Farrar made his first appearance in the navy and red, going the final 52 minutes with one save.
 
Simpson, who registered a game-high six shots against Southern Nazarene on Thursday, again had the game high in shots with seven and two on goal. He picked up three points with the one goal and one assist. Kwarteng also finished with three points on a goal and an assist.
 
The Hillcats end their three-game homestand to start the season with Ouachita Baptist on Thursday (Sept. 8) at 6 p.m. at Soldier Field. Follow the action with video and live stats available at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.