(September 6, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - Coming off a tough loss to nationally ranked Eastern Oklahoma State on Sunday, the Bucks were still looking for their first regular season win of the season. The men had a tough challenge ahead of them with national ranked National Park College. This was the Bucks last non-region match of the season.
UARM knew that playing against a nationally ranked team would provide them with an uphill battle, and so it proved with National Park keeping most of the ball possession in the first half. UARM kept it's midfield and defensive lines connected in an attempt to frustrate National Park, to not to provide spaces which they could take advantage of. The game resembled a game of chess at time with both teams moving the ball around the field looking to create spaces to take advantage of. The first goal came for National Park in the 25th minute when UARM failed to clear a corner kick and allowed a free shot on goal from 12 yards. UARM didn't let this effect their game, and by keeping to the plan, they got their just rewards. In the 34th minute, a cross from Arthur Pereira (Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil) on the right found Andre Cabral (Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil) in the middle of the goal who finished with one touch. The match was tied at 1-1 at the half.
The second hald began in the same manner as the first with both teams cancelling each other out and creating little with regards to scoring opportunities. However in the 65th minute, Guilherme Sales (San Paula, Brazil) had a shot from 20 yards, which looked to be heading into the top corner of the goal only for the Nighthawk goalkeeper to make an incredible diving save to keep the score tied at 1-1.
The game was turned on it's head in the 75th minute when National Park sent a hopeful pass deep into the UARM half, and Josh Mitchell (Stonehouse, Scotland), in goal, hesitated with his clearance allowing the opposition striker to take ball and pass into an empty net. This kind of mistake is crushing for any team, but UARM kept pushing for the equalizer all the way to the end. Unfortunately, the Bucks could not find the goal they richely deserved and loss 2-1.
Coach Sherry was please with the way his team played this afternoon. "The result was very hard to take because they did not deserve to lose that game. One big mistake cost them but we need to be positive moving forward because so many good things came out of that game for us."
The Bucks return to region play on Sunday, September 10th, at home against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 pm at TapleyPark.
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