General | 8/22/2025 1:11:00 PM
Box Score McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldogs opened their 2025 season at home versus the IU-Kokomo Cougars Thursday night at McPherson Stadium. This was the first ever meeting between the two teams.
The Basics
Location: McPherson Stadium
Score: IUK 0, MC 0
Records: IUK 0-0-1 (0-0-0 RSC), MC 0-0-1 (0-0-0 KCAC)
How It Happened
McPherson would start the game on the attack, earning two corner kicks within the first ten minutes. The Bulldogs registered their first shot in the 9
th minute off the foot of
Courtney Wickham, quickly followed up by a shot from
Arianna Diaz, both blocked by the Cougar defense. Momentum shifted soon after, with a yellow card against
Courtney Ward sparking Kokomo's attack. Two more shots would slip through for the Cougars, but goalkeeper
Emily Singletary and the Bulldog defense held strong to keep the game scoreless at the break.
The Cougars carried that pressure into the second half, getting two shots off early that missed the target. McPherson managed a brief offensive push in the 61
st minute with a shot from
Gracie Speltz, the Bulldogs first of the half. Kokomo was right back on the attack, forcing Singletary into three more saves. Adding to their struggles,
Shelby Pronk was shown the Bulldogs second yellow of the night in the 83
rd minute. Despite being on the back foot, McPherson nearly snatched a late winner with two breakaways in the final minutes that brought the home crowd to life.
Neither side could break through offensively, as the Bulldogs opened their season with a hard fought scoreless draw.
Up Next
McPherson will be back in action on Saturday, August 23
rd in Hesston, Kansas to take on the Hesston College Larks. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm at Sieber Field.
