(October 12, 2023) Mena, Arkansas - With the tough season wrapping up, the Bucks were still fighting for their chance at the Region II Tournament later this month in Enid, OK. The Bucks matched up with Northern Oklahoma College yesterday afternoon at Tapley Park. The Jets shutout at the Bucks in Enid earlier this season, 3-0.
UARM started the game with a strong defensive shape in an attempt to blunt the powerful attacking players of Enid and build a foundation to then look to become more attacking at a later stage. The strategy worked as each team cancelled each other out with a very cagey first half ending 0-0. UARM decided to gamble and throw more attacking players forward to go fo the win, but Enid seized their chance to score from a corner kick in the 64th minute. UARM kept their attacking players on with a determination to get back into the game. The next goal would be crucial, and it came to UARM when Ebrima Jobe (Memphis, TN) scored from a corner kick of their own in the 80th minute. Mario Vingarzan (Madrid, Spain) put in a tantalizing cross into the penalty area, and Ebrima finished with a delicate touch of the ball with his head. The game ended with Enid pushing for the win, but UARM defended to a man and got the tie their efforts richly deserved.
Coach Sherry was happy for his men's team. "The guys worked so hard today and am very happy that they got a result which they deserved."
The men return to action on Wednesday, September 18th, at Rose State College. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 pm in Midwest City, OK.
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