(October 4, 2022) Mena, Arkansas – After a loss on Sunday to start the busiest week of the season, the Bucks were on their heels and looking to keep their season alive as they get closer to the end of October for the Region II Tournament. The Bucks faced off against the Murray State Aggies this afternoon at Tapley Park. Coming into the match, the Bucks are 2-7-0 in region play, while the Aggies are 3-6-0. When both teams played earlier in the season, the Bucks fell 4-3 in overtime.
The Bucks took the opening kickoff and took the ball down the field for the first five minutes of the match. After an Aggies counter, the Bucks flipped the field and took advantage of an Aggie turnover. Kenya Martinez (De Queen, AR) stole the ball and after a touch, put the ball in the back of the net to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. For the next thirty minute, the game went back and forth in the midfield until the Aggies took control and possessed for the remainder of the half. Bucks ahead 1-0.
For nearly the first ten minutes of the second half, the Bucks and Aggies went back and forth in the midfield with a few attempts into the box. The Bucks added to their lead in the 55th minute after gaining possession in the midfield. Maradona Vilca (Hickory Creek, TX) played a diagonal ball to Brisa Aguilar (Dallas, TX). Aguilar made a move on the keeper and scored to make it 2-0 for the Bucks. After the goal, the Bucks made a few defensive adjustments. The rest of the match was much like the first ten minutes of the half. Both teams went back and forth in the midfield with not many attempts at the goal until Murray State took advantage after a foul in the 88th minute. The Aggies played a free kick over keeper to cut the lead to 2-1, but the Bucks defense held on for the much needed region win.
The Bucks have a short turnaround and play again on Friday, October 7th, at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 pm.
#GOBUCKS