Tiger soccer team blasts Kansas City, moves to within one game of national tournament
The No. 3-ranked Cowley College men’s soccer team scored five-first half goals, including a hat-trick from sophomore forward Caique Trivelato, to defeat Kansas City 5-1 in the Second Round of the Midwest District Playoffs held Thursday at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, KS.
The No. 3-ranked Cowley College men's soccer team scored five-first half goals, including a hat-trick from sophomore forward Caique Trivelato, to defeat Kansas City 5-1 in the Second Round of the Midwest District Playoffs held Thursday at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, KS.
Cowley remains unbeaten with a record of 16-0, while Kansas City finishes the season with a record of 5-6-2. The Tigers advance to face No. 10-ranked Coffeyville (17-1-1) Saturday at 8 p.m. in Wichita.
Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz was proud of his team's performance on Thursday.
"We have been waiting for a first half like this the entire season," Vaz said. "It was important for us to send a message to Kansas City right off the bat and not give them a reason to believe they can win the game."
It took less than six minutes for Cowley to get the scoring started in Thursday's game as freshman Pedro Arcoverde scored his second goal of the season. Trivelato would score the next three goals before Luis Rodrigues scored his fourth goal of the season, off a penalty kick, only 17 seconds before halftime.
The hat-trick by Trivelato gives the freshman from Brazil 18 goals in 16 games.
"Caique is mentally strong and continues to come through for us," Vaz said.
With the game in hand, Vaz was able to empty his bench in the second half as 22 players played in the victory.
"It was good to give some of our key players some rest in the second half," Vaz said.
Cowley will now turn its attention to the District title game against Coffeyville, whom The Tigers handed its lone defeat of the season. Following the Red Ravens' 3-0 loss to the Tigers back on October 9, Coffeyville has rattled off six straight wins.
"Cowley and Coffeyville is a tremendous rivalry between schools with great athletic programs," Vaz said. "Whoever controls their emotions the best will have the best opportunity of winning. The game will be decided in the details. We hope to take care of business on Saturday."