CLAREMORE, Okla. - A pair of second half goals gave the Rogers State men's soccer team a shutout victory in its home opener over Oklahoma Wesleyan at Soldier Field on Tuesday night.
Over 500 fans were in attendance to watch the regional rivalry rematch that ended in a 0-0 draw a year ago.
The Hillcats were unable to cash in on a number of scoring opportunities early in the match; however RSU controlled much of the position and put pressure on the OWU defense.
After a scoreless opening half, senior Chase Walker gave the Hillcats the lead five minutes into the second stanza. Walker dribbled down line, beat the defense and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
Freshman Devon Williams gave the Hillcats a 2-0 cushion in the 80th minute with his first collegiate goal. T.J. Martin sent a pass through the OWU defense to Williams who ran onto the ball and beat the goalkeeper near-post. Â
Jeremy Swift picked up the win in goal as he recorded three saves in his RSU debut. Jack Ord received the loss for OWU as he registered five saves and allowed a pair of goals. The Cats outshot the Eagles 15-10 and registered five shots on goal.
Senior forward Henrique Sousa gave the fans something to cheer about before the game started tonight as he proposed to his now fiance DeAnna Bayouth prior to kickoff. Bayouth is a former Hillcat soccer player and the couple met through the program three years ago.
Rogers State (1-0) returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 1 as they travel to Missouri Valley College. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
