Bulldogs Come From Behind to Defeat Southwestern

Photo by Junior Silva
Article by Marcus Fernandes
 
The McPherson Men's Soccer Team stepped on the field this Saturday for their ninth KCAC game of the season. Hosting Southwestern College, the Bulldogs faced the match as an opportunity to recover from Wednesday's defeat.
 
The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the game after a slow start. The four goals scored in the match do not show how the first 15 minutes took place. The Mound Builders started the match comfortable on the ball and aggressively. The Bulldogs tried to be patient in possession and find the right moment to attack gaps on the field.  It took a little while for the McPherson team to start dictating the rhythm of the game. The Builders took advantage and got on the scoreboard first, scoring a goal on a free kick. On the shot, (So.) Colby Swift was leaning to his left drawing a bead on the attempt, but the ball changed direction on a deflection and found the back of the net.
 
The goal switched the Bulldogs on the game. Although the disadvantage, the McPherson lads improved on the ball, found their rhythm, and became more dangerous on the final third. In the 25th minute (So.) Nipho Methula hit the post after one versus one against the Builder's goalkeeper. (So.) Sam Box got the rebound and stayed composed to dribble one defender and finish on his left foot. The goal improved the Bulldogs' energy in the game. Only two minutes after the first goal, the McPherson team had a penalty kick awarded after (So.) Jorge Ramos had his shirt pulled inside the box. (Sr.) Marcus Fernandes converted the pk to give the lead to the Bulldogs.
 
The second goal enabled the bulldogs to find tranquility in the match and keep the ball for more time. The Builders tried hard to come back in the game, but they could not create goal-scoring opportunities. The Bulldogs finished the first 45 minutes strong. (So.) Antoine Detavernier took a corner kick (Fr.) Abdul Kanu had a slight touch on the ball and (So.) Lucas Williams finished it with a header to the back of the net.
 
The third goal in the game gave the Bulldogs the opportunity to rotate their squad. The guys coming off the bench gave the McPherson team more energy and helped them create an advantage at the end of the first half, and into the second frame. The Builders tried to find a second goal at any cost. Since they struggled to penetrate the Bulldog's defense, the long-range shots became the alternative. The Southwestern College team was not accurate in their attempts. The times they shot on frame, Swift was there to make the save. After 26 minutes played in the second half, the Bulldogs improved their advantage after an offensive set-piece. After a ball was served in the box, Ramos sent the ball to the net, scoring the Bulldogs' fourth goal in the game. After the goal, the Builders had no more energy to come back in the game. The Bulldogs just managed the game by defending well and connecting passes until the final whistle.
 
After the game, Bulldog head coach Doug Quint shared his thoughts on the game, "We battled today through some injuries and fatigue to get the job done against a good side. I was proud of our effort and composure today. We had some guys off the bench really step up and play well. That was a good result from us today".
 
Today's win moves the Bulldogs to 10-4 overall and 7-2 in KCAC play. They will be back on the pitch on Friday when they head to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to play against the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles. The kick-off will be at 7 p.m.