McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldog soccer team overcame multiple fouls, numerous yellow cards, and having to play a man down late in the second half to defeat the Braves of Ottawa University 4-3 on Saturday. The 'Dogs are now 6-3-2 on the year and 2-0-1 against KCAC foes.
Mac completely controlled the opening half as they shelled OU's goalie from the beginning; the team ended with 15 first period shots, six on frame. The bombardment finally paid off in the 20th minute as Alex Ronneburg scored off a Morgan Quintana assist to put MC ahead 1-0. A penalty kick was awarded to the Bulldogs in the 38th minute and Brayam De La Cruz converted to give the 'Dogs a 2-0 advantage. The final five minutes of the half were very eventful as OU scored in the 40th and 43rd minute, sandwiching an Octavio Villa goal for the Bulldogs. At half, the score sat at 3-2 in McPherson's favor.
The scoring continued in the opening minutes of the second as the Braves scored in the 52nd minute to tie things up. Kevin Ndongo put MC back ahead with his goal off a corner kick a few minutes later; Ronneburg earned the assist, his second of the day. The last quarter of the game got a little uglier as cards began to fly. After MC's goal, seven cards came out of the referee's pocket including two yellows for Ronneburg, sending him to the bench and forcing McPherson to play with 10 for the final eight minutes. The Bulldog D stepped up and held off OU, preserving the 4-3 victory.
Mac took 21 shots on the night with 10 going on target. Ronneburg took six of those and put three on frame; he ended the night with four points on his one goal and two dimes. Ndongo took five shots and had two on goal. Kevin Aka came in off the bench and took three tries with two being saved by the Ottawa goalie.
MC deployed the two goal keeper tactic with Aaron Parrott taking the opening half and freshman Tanner Horton playing the final 45. Parrott gave up two goals while recording one save. Horton allowed one goal while stopping three balls.
The 'Dogs have Friends University at home next Wednesday, the 15th; start time is set for 4:00 p.m. (CT) at the Kennel.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
