CLAREMORE, Okla. – Second-seeded No. 13 Rogers State men's soccer (13-3-5) is set to host third-seeded No. 15 Lincoln on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. from Soldier Field. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
CATS' KEEP ON DANCIN'
No. 13 Rogers State men's soccer will continue to make history by hosting the third round of the NCAA National Tournament. This marks the Hillcats' third-ever NCAA Tournament match at Soldier Field, following first- and second-round matches earlier this week.
The Hillcats celebrated a thrilling 1-0 victory over seventh-seeded No. 17 Cedarville on Saturday. RSU controlled possession and outshot the Yellow Jackets 11-9, with the decisive moment occurring in the 86th minute when
Ashton Medina scored the game-winner. The sophomore netted his third goal of the season after
Artur Carvalho created chaos in the goalkeeper's box, allowing Medina to capitalize on a deflected save from the Cedarville keeper. Additionally, junior
Jaxon Kendall (13-3-5) extended his school record for shutouts to 11 in the victory.
RSU enters the match with a 2-1 record in the National Tournament, having secured its first win against Southern Nazarene in overtime (3-2) and falling in penalty kicks to Saginaw Valley in the subsequent match last season in University Center, Michigan.
ABOUT THE TIGERS
Lincoln (12-1-6) has had an exceptional season, finishing second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) regular-season standings with an undefeated record and earning the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Blue Tigers fell to McKendree, 2-1, in overtime in St. Louis.
Under the leadership of second-year head coach Sammy Samuels, Lincoln hosted the second round of the NCAA Tournament in just their second season as a program. Senior midfielder Kevon Maitland leads the team with 20 points (8 goals, 4 assists). Goalkeeper Vincent Osei (10-1-7) heads into the match with 73 saves, tied for 30th in NCAA Division II, and five shutouts, along with a combined shutout with fellow keeper Antwone Gooden.
UP NEXT
The winner of Sunday's contest will advance to the quarterfinals to face either No. 4 [1] Fort Hays State or No. 10 [4] Rockhurst on Dec. 6. The Tigers and Hawks will also compete on Sunday in Hays, Kansas.
