CLAREMORE, Okla. – In its final home game of the 2014 season, the Rogers State men's soccer team suffered a 3-0 loss to visiting Oklahoma Christian Monday afternoon at Soldier Field.
 
After being held to three first-half goals in their opening 11 games, the Eagles used a strong wind at their backs to their advantage scoring twice in the opening stanza, both off the left foot of Cody Cook.
 
The sophomore tallied his first goal of the season in the 18th minute sending a long-range shot that swerved back inside the near post from 35 yards. He added his second of the day in the 30th minute curling a free kick around the RSU wall and past an outstretched goalkeeper Joey Arnold from 20 yards out for a 2-0 lead at halftime.
 
Austin Sexton had the best chance for an equalizer in the 26th minute but his drive was turned aside by a diving backup goalkeeper Korey Bartel for OC, who entered after starter Evan Helker left the contest with an injury.
 
The Hillcats pressed throughout the second frame looking to get back into the match holding an 8-3 advantage in shots for the half but could not dent the scoreboard. RSU finished with a 16-9 edge in attempted shots.
 
Cole Rinke gave the Eagles an insurance goal in the 73th minute sealing the 3-0 decision.
 
Helker picked up the win in goal for OC but it was Bartel that kept the Hillcats off the board making six saves in his collegiate debut. Arnold took the loss for RSU dropping to 2-2 on the season.
 
The Hillcats (7-9 overall, 3-4 HC) close the 2014 campaign on the road Saturday in Wichita, Kansas facing Newman for a 7:30 p.m. kick off.