Article by Olivia Orr
September 30,2021 (Mena, Arkansas) The Bucks returned home to face the field against the familiar Northern Oklahoma College. Having already faced a loss against them in August, players and spectators gathered at Tapley Park, hoping to witness an impressive comeback and the Bucks did not disappoint. After a close game, the Bucks earned a win of 2-1.
The Bucks were quick on their feet in the first half, going back and forth with Northern Oklahoma. They would make several impressive close calls at scoring, but the ball wouldn't quite meet the back of the net. As for the opposing team, they neglected to score a goal thanks to best efforts by the Bucks. The first half ended with no points on the score board, setting the Bucks up for a close game approaching the second half.
The Bucks returned to the second half ready to gain a lead, and they did just that. Within the first 5 minutes of the half, Cedrick Price received an assist off the foot of Khalid Hassan, allowing him to deliver a kick to the back of the net and put a point on the score board. Khalid Hassan would be responsible for another impressive assist later in the half to Kason Shrum, who earned the Bucks their second goal.
Northern Oklahoma would retaliate with several aggressive attempts to score in the beginning of the second half, but would fall short to goalkeeper, Edward Garcia's saves.
It wasn't until the 59th minute that Northern Oklahoma completed a goal, putting the score at 2-1.
For the remainder of the half, the bucks and Northern Oklahoma engaged in an intense back and forth battle, as the Bucks were eager to increase their lead and Northern Oklahoma was desperate to even the scoreboard.
The Bucks proved to be stronger this game, as they finished with a score of 2-1.
The Bucks are expected to take the field again on October 5, at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.
#GoBucks