WICHITA - After the narrow defeat against Eastern New Mexico University on Friday night, the Newman men's soccer team looked to take off Sunday afternoon against Rockhurst and kick start its season against the Hawks who finished the 2011 season ranked #6. The Hawks defeated the Jets, 1-0.
The Jets had the best chance in the first half as a ball that was slotted just inside the penalty box found senior Nathan Modesto on the 16th minute mark, but was saved as Rockhurst goalkeeper Ryan Bass rushed out to put it just wide for a corner kick.
The Jets were tested a couple of times by the Hawks, but nothing that wouldn't have been expected given the high ranking of the opposing team.
The fire that Newman displayed kept the score 0-0 going into the second period.
The Jets came into the second half hoping to edge past Rockhurst University, but the hopes were almost dashed after 76 minutes of play when the Hawks were awarded a penalty after referee Reza Namarar blew for a Newman hand ball, inside the box.
Fans at Wilkinson Field awaited anxiously as Paolo Scoppola stepped up to take the penalty. However, that anxious vibe quickly changed as sophomore keeper Robin Allard saved the penalty shot, and safely caught the rebounded effort.
With 6 minutes left of this scrappy encounter between visitors Rockhurst and Newman, the game looked certain to go to over time.
Just seconds later, the Hawks managed to hang on and get a goal with the effort, finishing the game with a 1-0loss for Newman.
The Jets are next to host Midwestern State University on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
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