by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Kansas City Kansas Community College had seven shots on goal in the second half alone against nationally ranked Cowley College Wednesday. Unfortunately, none found the net.
“You must capitalize on your opportunities; if you do not, you will not win these games,” KCKCC head coach Ruben Rodriguez said after the Blue Devils’ 2-1 loss to the No. 13 ranked and unbeaten Tigers (5-0). “We played well; we just need to be more prepared mentally to play at a higher level.”
The loss evened KCKCC’s record at 2-2-1 overall and 1-1 in the Jayhawk Conference heading into a collision with Johnson County (3-2) in Overland Park next Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.
Cowley County, meanwhile, took over the Jayhawk lead at 2-0, ahead of runnerup JCCC (1-0) and third place KCKCC and Neosho County, both 1-1.
“Kansas City is a very physical team and relentless in what they do,” Cowley Coach Ruy Voz said. “They marked our midfielders very well but we played really well on the flanks and found a way to win.”
Cowley grabbed a 1-0 lead 27 minutes into the game on Elluan Martins Gomes’ eighth goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Murilo Ramos.
KCKCC pulled even with four minutes left in the half when sophomore Ignacio Sarasol scored off a corner kick from Wyandotte freshman Jorge Fernandez. Cowley’s winning goal came with 21 minutes remaining, Ramos scoring on an assist from Hikaru Tanaka.
The Blue Devils had a 16-14 edge in total shots. KCKCC goalkeeper Bosco Pery was credited with nine saves; Ramiro Diez eight for Cowley.