McPherson, Kan – On Saturday, the Bulldogs took on the Tigers of Doane University for their last non-conference matchup of the regular season. McPherson came into this contest with a win under their belt as they defeated cross-town rival Central Christian College of Kansas. Doane had played four KCAC teams prior to this matchup, but the Tigers were only able to come away with one win over Bethany back in late August.
The Basics
Location: McPherson Stadium at Paul Family Field
Score: MC 4, DU 2
Records: MC 2-3 (0-0 KCAC), DU 1-5 (0-0 GPAC)
How it Happened
The pace of play in this match was very entertaining to watch, but one could only imagine how much effort was being used up in the early going. This was McPherson's first matchup under the sun this season, but they displayed their ability to play in the heat.
Doane would strike first in the 13
th minute as Guillermo Hamue blasted one into the net from short range off the assist of Paul Adukor for the 1-0 lead. This lead would not last long, the Bulldogs found the equalizer just a minute later. With a beautiful delivery from
Sijmen Van Der Zee and
Zane Sullivan,
Nathan Van Wyck had no other choice but to capitalize on the phenomenal ball movement, scoring his first goal of the year to level the match at 1-1.
In the 32
nd minute,
Elliot Powrie gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the day accompanied by
Sergio Najera's beautiful assist for the 2-1 advantage. McPherson's ball-movement was very aggressive and it was working; the Bulldogs fired off 10 shots in the first half compared to Doane's 7, giving McPherson the 2-1 lead heading into the half.
Despite Mateo Jelicich finding the equalizer in the 68
th minute of the second half, the Bulldogs maintained their high-speed approach to the match and found their go-ahead goal with just over six minutes left in the match.
Sijmen Van Der Zee and
Zane Sullivan had one less man apart of this combination, but Van Der Zee's shot assisted by Sullivan sparked the Bulldog faithful into a celebration in the corner of the field.
With the 3-2 lead, the Bulldogs bought insurance in the 85
th minute, and did it in style.
Abdul Nafiu Moro executed an insane bicycle kick on a freeball inside the Tiger box, giving the Bulldogs a 4-2 advantage. With too little time left for Doane, it would be McPherson celebrating the victory at McPherson Stadium.
Up Next
McPherson College begins KCAC play this Wednesday as they'll take on the Tabor College Bluejays on September 17
th at McPherson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM following the completion of the women's matchup with the Bluejays.
