Posted: Sep 11, 2024
(September 11, 2024) Mena, Arkansas - After fighting for a draw on Sunday at NEO, the Bucks biggest test of the season came in the form of the 8th ranked Murray State Aggies. Last season, the Aggies were the Region II Champions and made the NJCAA DI National Tournament, winning a game at Nationals. The Aggies came into the game undefeated, while the Bucks sported a 2-1-1 record.
The final score was not a true reflection of the game. UARM battled very hard against a top ranked Murray State team for 80 minutes and proved a very worthy opponent to a team whose talents were of the highest levels. It seems the achilles heel for the Bucks men's team this season is defending corner kicks, as once again, they conceded a goal in the first half leaving a striker free to head home from 6 yards out.
UARM did not buckle and kept their defensive shape compact and organized which frustrated Murray State as they constantly switched the ball from left to right and back looking for spaces in the middle to penetrate, but could not find the gaps. The Bucks wanted to keep the score to a 1 goal game to end the half.
The Bucks made some tactical changes at the break, and this enabled UARM to put pressure on the key players in midfield for Murray State and provided a platform for quick transition plays which looked threatening on the counter attack. With 10 minutes to go, UARM took the gamble of moving Ebrima Jobe (Memphis, TN) up front from a defensive position to try and push for the equalizer. It was a gamble to leave the back line more vulnerable, but UARM wanted to roll the dice to see if they could get something out of the game and must be praised for going for it.
UARM created the opportunities they wanted to tie the game but were unable to convert them. Inevitably, Murray State took advantage of these missed chances to score two late goals, one of which was the last kick of the game.
Coach Sherry was optimistic after the game about his young team and the match. "This was not a 3-0 game in my mind. We were only 1-0 down to a top team, and we were willing to gamble everything to get that point we richly deserved. I was so proud of the team. This was an excellently organized performance which will hold us in good stead moving forward. The team is building a strong foundation and fine tuning their playing style which will give us the chance of qualifying for post season play in October. I truly believe it is within our reach."
The men will take a week break from matches and return to the pitch on September 18th at NOC-Enid.
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