Your future, our focus
Powell’s Jacobs Head Home Late Game-Winner
BY RANDAL HOROBIK
Tribune Sports Editor
The Northwest College men’s soccer team got a taste of victory during the opening weekend of the season. After losing a disappointing 2-1 contest at Dodge City, Kan., the Trappers recovered to claim a 1-0 victory over Cisco College of Texas.
Powell sophomore Eric Jacobs headed home a goal in the 84th minute of action to give Northwest its win over a physical Cisco side. Jacobs proved to be the right man at the right place as he got his head on a ball that initially appeared to be getting cleared away from the goal, redirecting it over the Cisco keeper.
“That goal capped an excellent performance from him in defense,” said Trapper soccer coach Rob Hill. “We got a corner which was headed out. It came to Eric and he headed the ball back over the keeper.”
Playing in the same 30-35 mile per hour winds that plagued the women’s game earlier, the Trappers relied on a short, quick passing game throughout much of the contest. The Trappers created opportunitites, but were unable to translate the passing and speed of play into a goal in the first half.
“The score was 0-0, but we were very much in control,” Hill said of the game. “We started the second half the same way, with a good speed of play, combining very well and our defense was superb.”
Sheridan’s T.J. Stender needed to make just four saves in the contest for the Trappers.
Northwest easily could have swept its initial weekend if not for some key officiating calls and a 15-save day by Dodge City’s goalkeeper.
“We played some excellent soccer and out passed and outplayed the opposition,” Hill said. “We made two defensive mistakes and they both cost us dearly.”
Marco Tulio Andrade scored off a direct kick for Northwest College with roughly six minutes remaining in the first half. Unfortunately, the host Conquistadors were able to sandwich Andrade’s goal between two of their own for 2-1 lead.
The Trappers appeared to be on the verge of leveling the game right before the half as Northwest took the ball in one-on-one against Dodge City’s keeper. The referee’s whistle, however, brought an end to play as the Trappers possessed the ball just four yards from the goal.
“I have never seen that one before,” said Hill. “It would be like an American football player being about to run into the end zone and the referee blowing the whistle to end the quarter or a shot in basketball being in midair and heading for the basket and having the referee blow the whistle and disallow the goal.”
Northwest also had a first-half goal waved off due to an offside call.
“We could have been up three goals in the first half,” Hill said.
At halftime, the Trappers opted to switch up formations for the second half. The move resulted in non-stop Northwest pressure in the offensive zone throughout the final 45 minutes, but no additional scoring.
“I was pleased with our performance and commitment,” Hill said of the loss. “It was just two costly errors and we paid the price. Overall, it was a great weekend for both the men’s and the women’s teams and I am proud of our performances on the road.”
Northwest, 1-1, hosts Laramie County, 2-0, in a Region IX contest today (Thursday). The Trappers first-ever home soccer contest will start at 4 p.m. at Trapper West Field.
Northwest also travels to Western Nebraska on Saturday before playing Western Wyoming on Tuesday in two more upcoming Region IX contests. After the blast of activity to start the season, the team will enjoy 11 days off before its next action.