August 22, 2021 (Mena, Arkansas) - Soccer season is finally underway for the Bucks. After several attempts to get some work in the preseason, the Bucks kicked off their season with Region 2 foe Redlands Community College out of El Reno, OK. With a big crowd behind them, the Bucks would shutout Redlands, 6-0.
In the first half, the Bucks scored the first goal of the season in the 29th minute. Isabelle Ryan (Mansfield, TX) put a shot on goal that was deflected by the Redlands keeper. Remmie Ferla (Corby, England) was there for the rebound and kicked the ball backwards into the goal to make it 1-0. A little over a minute later, Ferla found the back of the net again. Bailey Tillotson (Sherman, TX) played the ball down the sideline to Isabelle Ryan. On the attack, Ryan drew the keeper off her line and made the pass to Remmie Ferla for the goal. To make the score 3-0 at the half, Ryan was fouled in the box and allowed Jess Douglas (Gateshead, England) to find the back of the net on a penalty kick. In the half, the Bucks controlled the match and took 17 shots, with 12 being on goal. Elizabeth Rochen (Arlington, TX) took her place in the goal and recorded 2 saves in the half.
In the second half, the Bucks picked up where they left off. Rhiannon Holmes (Newcastle, England) found the back of the net in the 52nd minute. Kenya Martinez (De Queen, AR) played the ball across the field on the assist. The goal made it 4-0 in favor of the Bucks. The match got stagnant for the next 20 minutes before Isabelle Ryan woke up the crowd with a shot from about 20 yards out. Kate Duncan (Bauxite, AR) played a ball across the field for the assist. Just a little over 2 minutes later, Morgan Johnson (Rowlett, TX) found the back of the net in the 76th minute to make the final goal of the match. The Bucks would win, 6-0.
In the win, Elizabeth Rochen recorded her first clean sheet of the season in the shutout. She recorded her only 2 saves in the first half.
The Bucks play again on Thursday, August 26th, at home versus Eastern Oklahoma State College. The match is scheduled to be played at Tapley Park with a 2 pm kickoff. The men will follow.
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