By Shemar Casteel-Payne

9/26/2018

RIVER FOREST, IL- After shutting out Lakeland University this past Saturday, the Concordia University Chicago Cougars looked to keep that momentum, and carry it into their second consecutive home game in River Forest IL. Unfortunately, the Cougars couldn’t quite keep the winning streak alive by losing their first home game of the season, and a close one at that.

On a somewhat chilly afternoon, the CUC Cougars (2-4; 1-2 NACC) kicked off against off NACC foe Rockford University (5-4-1; 1-2 NACC) at 4pm. Starting for the Cougars were: So. Patrick Hopkins, So. Andres Barrigas-Castillo, Sr. Grant Manor, Fr. Jared Farnsworth, Fr. Fabian Aranda, So. Bryce Bilodeau, Sr. Peter Munro, So. Gerardo Medina, Fr. Ryan Kuhlman, and Junior goalkeeper Jose Retana. With both teams having a similar win-loss total prior to the match, both the Cougars and Regents knew they each had a chance to walk out with the victory, but it would come nothing sort of easy.

The Cougars started out aggressive, and looking to get on the board early, their first shot attempt came in the first two minutes when Cougar Patrick Hopkins shot attempt got saved by Regents goal keeper Edgar Gomez. Just over five minutes passed when the Cougars got off another series of goal attempts against the Regents’ goalie. Much of the crowd held its breath when CUC forward Ryan Kuhlman eluded the Regents backline, just barely getting his powerful shot deflected by the goalkeeper’s hands. The Cougars were not about to give up on this possession; however, with Jared Farnsworth coming forth with a put back that the Regent’s goalkeeper also managed to deflect. After this series of deflects the Cougars managed to get one more shot off, but this time way off target, with the ball sailing high over the goal post. Not being able to capitalize on these opportunities clearly dampened the Cougar’s spirit, but there was still a lot of soccer to be played.

Not many scoring opportunities came from either side during the rest of the half with both teams playing stifling defense. While defense is always a good thing when it comes to soccer, many of us wanted to see the Cougars offensive skill shine with scoring opportunities. One such dazzling display came when a perfect cross came from the left side of the field right towards talented CUC forward Gerardo Medina. Medina timed the pass perfectly and headed the ball streaking towards the goal, a noteworthy attempt that Regents goal keeper Jose Retana managed to save by using his quick reflexes. The half ended with both teams failing to net any goals with the score being 0-0 heading into the second half.

The Cougars offense seemed to be more aggressive during the second half, managing to get off several scoring opportunities at the goal. The same story continued; however, with every shot attempt being off target or saved by the Regents’ quick thinking goalie. While the game continued to be evenly matched, the Regents gained the edge when a push by their offense allowed them to sneak a goal past the last line of defense. This would prove to be all that they needed as the Cougars ended up narrowly losing the tough fought game 0-1; however, a huge bright spot came from CUC’s goalie Jose Retena. The goalie made many impressive saves, from sacrificing his body to dive at the ball in front of the Regent’s feet, oblivious to the risk of getting kicked by the opposing teams forward, to using his athletic ability and quick reflexes to deflect nearly every ball that came his way. Unfortunately, one goal ended up being the difference maker in this matchup, but nevertheless, the Cougars showed great grit and determination. Putting the tough loss behind them, the Cougars will look to bounce back with their game this Saturday, September 29th versus Marian University, at 1:30pm in Fond Du Lac, WI.