Soccer Concludes Season in SW Region 1st Round

Thursday afternoon, the Barclay College Bears soccer team participated in the National Christian College Athletic Association Southwest Region Tournament. The tournament was hosted by region member, Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kans. At the conclusion of the regular season and the Midwest Christian College Conference tournament, the Bears posted an 8-6 record overall, but went just 3-5 against region schools to draw Dallas Christian College (Dallas, Texas) in the first round.

The two teams met one week prior. The Crusaders made the northern trek to beat the Bears in Haviland, Kans. 2-0. With the stakes much different and the match on a neutral pitch, the two team battled. At the half way point, it was still knotted at 0-0. Shortly into the second half, the Crusaders were able to capitalize on a Bears’ breakdown to start off the scoring. With time inching away, the Bears mixed up formations and personnel in order to even things up. The Bears missed on several opportunities before a Dallas counter attack in the closing minutes secured the win.

For first year head coaches Austin Ogle and Pilo Miranda-Troup, it was a year of tremendous growth for the program. The Bears exceeded expectations and now have some momentum moving into their second season. Recruiting stares them straight in the face and will be critical as they look to have continued growth.