Wichita, Kansas – In the Semi-Final Round of the Plains District Tournament, the Rich Mountain Bucks (8-4-5) faced off against the Johnson County Community College Cavaliers (12-5-3). The Bucks were fresh off their Region 2 Championship on Sunday and had a quick turn around on Wednesday evening. The weather went from 68 degrees and calm to 38 degrees and windy just before kickoff at the Stryker Sports Complex.
The first half was heavily controlled by the Cavaliers, as much of the game was on their offensive end of the field. The Bucks were limited on offensive production. Maurice Theart recorded the Bucks first shot of the game in the 18th minute. It would be another 18 minutes before the Bucks would get another shot. Euwin Stevens missed a wide open look on a free kick from Josh Gounden. The Cavaliers countered in a big way. After a Bucks' foul, #7 Brad Tulley delivered a great ball off the free kick and found the head of big, tall #20 Chavoy Malcolm for the first goal of the match in the 37th minute. Neither team mustered much offense for the remainder of the half. Cavaliers led 1-0.
The second half was much of the same. Johnson County looked to continue to press the Bucks. The Bucks wouldn't counter the Cavaliers attacked until the 60th minute. Cesar Requena's shot would be wide right. After another Cavaliers' shot, Trevor Lewis would fire high for the Bucks. In the 70th minute. #7 Brad Tulley dribbled through the Bucks' defense and made his opportunity count for the second Cavaliers' goal of the evening. The Bucks wouldn't attempt another shot on the evening and would fall 2-0 in what would be the last game of the inaugural season for Rich Mountain.
With the loss, the Bucks season comes to an end. It's been a great ride, and we can all agree that everybody counted out the team of all freshmen from 15 different countries that came together in our little town in Western Arkansas. The Bucks finish with an overall record of 8-4-5 and as the Region 2 Champions.
#GOBUCKS