Late Rally Lifts RiverHawks
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Northeastern State scored two second-half goals to defeat Rogers State University 2-1 in the season before 300 fans in the opening match for the RiverHawks at the Northeastern State Soccer Complex Friday afternoon.
"In the first half, I didn't think we played very well, but the kids didn't quit and we came out with a win," said Northeastern State head coach Bobby Peterson.
"We had a big crowd for our home opener and I've been here four years and we haven't had 300 plus fans in the stands like today. Our guys were a little bit nervous.
"We made the adjustments at the half and I think we were the better team. We held them to just two shots in the half. I learned from this game we don't have any quitters on this team. They stuck to the task at hand and went out and got the result."
Peterson said Sam Vernalls, who had two assists in the match, a senior transfer from the University of Kentucky, was the "difference maker."
"I'm excited. I played for Charlie Mitchell here, and he said if you don't win the first one you can't win them all and I shared that with the team after the game."
The Hillcats grabbed a 1-0 lead after the first 45 minutes of play on a penalty kick by Sergio Guerra at the 37:26 mark. RiverHawk keeper, Brendon Lindsay, was called for a foul in the box which resulted in the easy tally for RSU.
The second-half belonged to the RiverHawks as they outshot the Hillcats 9-2 and 15-7 for the match. Northeastern State's defense in the second half was dominating as Lindsay, a sophomore, had to make only one save in the final 45 minutes and just four in the match.
Northeastern State tied the match at 1-all in the 80th minute when junior Justin Cleland scored the RiverHawks' first goal of the season on a 3-2 breakaway on an assist by Vernalls. Cleland's goal hit the far post and bounced into the net.
Seven minutes later, at 86:05, the RiverHawks scored the deciding goal when sophomore Sambo Claros put the ball into the net. Junior midfielder, Zach Schmoker, received a pass near midfield and crossed it to Vernalls, who found Claros for the winner..
Northeastern State returns to action on Sunday at 2 p.m. when Harding University visits the RiverHawks Soccer Complex.
