CLAREMORE, Okla. – Although the Newman men's soccer team fell, 2-0, at Rogers State on Thursday (Oct. 29), the Jets clinched a spot in the Heartland Conference Tournament. NU drops to 9-7-1 on the season and 4-3 in the Heartland Conference. Rogers State moved by NU for second place in the conference with a 4-2-2 record.
The Hillcats took a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. After a yellow card on a Jet defender, RSU scored on a free kick from 25 yards that went in to the back post. After the first 45 minutes, the Hillcats were up 1-0.
At the half, NU held a slight 9-6 advantage in shots; however, four of RSU's six shots were on goal. The Jets totaled three shots on goal in the first half.
In the second half, RSU doubled its lead to 2-0 in the 77th minute as the Hillcats scored from 8 yards out to the near post. RSU went on to win by the 2-0 score.
The Jets again held an advantage in shots, getting off seven in the second half to only five from the Hillcats. Four of the seven shots were on goal to only two from RSU.
For the contest, NU outshot RSU by five at 16-11, including a 7-6 edge in shots on goal.
Jamie Barkway tallied a team-high three shots.
Taylor Henry finished with two shots on goal.
Kerbson Lubin,
Pedro Augusto and
Gefte Blanc each had two shots.
Calum Dillon went the full 90 minutes in goal, making four saves and allowing the two goals.
The Jets clinched a spot in the Heartland Conference Tournament as St. Mary's won against Dallas Baptist. The best DBU could do is tie the Jets for fourth place, however, NU holds the tiebreaker due to their 1-0 win over the Patriots this season. St. Edward's won will host the conference tournament as they clinched the Heartland Conference championship today with a win over Texas A&M International. They are 7-0 on the season in the conference for 21 points.
NU currently ranks third in the conference standings. They have 12 points to tie with St. Mary's. Although RSU is currently second, the Hillcats aren't eligible for postseason play. The top three: SEU, NU and StMU have punched their tickets to the conference tournament. TAMIU and DBU play Saturday with the winner in the conference tournament.
The Jets end the regular season on Saturday (Oct. 31) at Oklahoma Christian in Oklahoma City. Start time is set for 12 p.m.
