RiverHawks Soar Over Eagles
TAHLEQUAH, OKLA. -- Northeastern State University scored two first-half goals and that was all the RiverHawks needed as they rolled to a 2-0 men's soccer victory over visiting John Brown University Wednesday afternoon at the RiverHawks' pitch.
Northeastern State is now 4-2 on the season, while John Brown fell to 4-2. The RiverHawks return to action on Sept. 25th against Newman University on the RiverHawks' pitch.
The RiverHawks' offensive pressure was more than the Golden Eagles could defend as Northeastern State outshot the visitors 9-4 in the opening 45 minutes, which resulted in the two goals. The RiverHawks outshot John Brown 18-8 in the match.
"They just couldn't handle our counter-attack, which was nice'' said RiverHawks' head coach Bobby Peterson. "I was a little disappointed we couldn't finish more chances but kudos to their goalkeeper (Ryan Helmer). He made a couple of world class saves to keep them in the game.''
Sophomore Sambo Claros from Broken Arrow put the RiverHawks on top at 1-0 with his first goal of the season, off a deflection from 8-yards out at 27:30. Dustin Lyons assisted on the goal.
Just 11 minutes later, junior midfielder Zach Schmoker scored at 38:55 on a cross by Cory Cipollone that Schmoker headed into the back of the net, to give Northeastern State a 2-0 advantage.
Northeastern had three other near misses in the half as a shot by Schmoker went wide right at 12:56, and another Schmoker attempt went over the net at 18:26 and a shot by Sam Vernalls was wide left.
It was the second consecutive shutout for Northeastern State freshman goalkeeper Jordan Ladbrooke, who had to make just five saves in the match. The RiverHawks defense limited John Brown to just eight shots.
"Defensively, Jordan (Ladbrooke) I asked to make one great save and he made two,'' said Peterson. "He made a great save with 10 minutes left in the match and that changes the complexion of the game. If they scored we could have been in trouble.
"Our defensive pressure in the midfield was good. We have guys that are stepping up and doing the job,'' said Peterson.
The RiverHawks, however, were dealt a blow when freshman Henry Wildenborg from Rogers, Ark., sustained a possible season-ending knee injury late in the match.
"They think it's an MCL, but we're not sure yet,'' said Peterson. "It's unfortunate, because he's a freshman who has stepped in and has done an amazing job for us.''
Northeastern State kept the offensive pressure up in the final 45 minutes, but was unable to capitalize with nine shots.
