(October 20, 2024) Muskogee, Oklahoma - With just one week left in the regular season, the Bucks still had four games remaining on their regular season schedule. Their week started on Sunday afternoon at Connors State College. The ladies took the region contest at home earlier this season. 

 

Both teams struggled to start the game with some cohesion and flow due to the condition of the field, but Connors State garnered control of the early skirmishes due to their familiarity with the surface. The Bucks struggled to control a bouncing ball as it bounced along a bumpy playing area from every pass made. However, the UARM players soon adapted and began to impose their personality into the proceedings with a more direct and quicker speed of play.

 

Many opportunities were created, but none of the Bucks strikers could find the killer instinct in front of goal. Just before halftime, the Bucks finally broke through. Jasmin Bislev Nielsen (Aabybro, Denmark) was played through down the middle, and after her initial shot was saved, she was quickly on the rebound to finish low across the keeper. A second goal soon came after a free kick was cleared to Lidia Rodriguez Dominguez (Ourense, Spain) who finished with a half volley over the goalkeepers head to make it 2-0 at the half.

 

The second half started with the Bucks momentum continuing and led to a penalty kick after Nielsen was fouled in the box. Addison Gonzalez (Wylie, TX) stepped forward and precisely put the ball in the net wide of the keeper. Shortly after the penalty kick, Connors scored their lone goal of the match. Despite the lateness in the game, the Bucks stirred themselves to get a 4th goal. Carla Todd (Lochgilphead, United Kingdom) shot across the goal and in off the far post to make the final score of 4-1. 

 

Coach Kevin Sherry is proud of his squad with limited roster spots. "I am in awe of these ladies who barely had enough players left standing to make a team, and got out there today and gave everything they had for each other."

 

The ladies play again on Wednesday against Rose State College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 pm at Tapley Park.