For the first time in recent years, the Wildcats triumphed over the Lions of Lindenwood University under the lights Wednesday in St. Charles, Mo.
Watch KNBU-TV's interview with freshman soccer player Tom Lowndes, part of Wildcat Chat.<a href="http://www.youtube.com/KNBU%20target=">Wildcat Chat.</a> Wildcat Chat.
The two teams played the first half scoreless and continued the defensive battle well into the second half. However, Baker remained persistent and in the 90th minute of the match, with just four ticks left on the clock sophomore Elliot Harvey found junior Jon Baldwin for the game-winning goal.
The Wildcats took the game 1-0 and improved their record to 6-3.
Coming off a difficult double overtime loss to Southern Nazarene University, the Wildcats returned to Liston Stadium Saturday to take on the hardworking Columbia College Cougars.
In the 22nd minute of the match, senior Josh McDaniel got the ‘Cats on the board when he drilled home a penalty kick.
However, Baker’s defense bent and the Cougars evened the match at 1-1 just 12 minutes later when Cougars’ freshman Ryan Goldkamp found senior Sam Gelven for the equalizer.
Sophomore Sebastian Koepf found the net in the game’s 40th minute for what would prove to be the game-winner.
The lone goal of the second half was icing on the cake for United Kingdom native Tom Lowndes and Baker. In the 76th minute, Lowndes took a set piece for the ‘Cats and found the net for the first time in his Wildcat career. Baker took the match 3-1.
Lowndes said his main concern was winning the game, but the goal felt a little bit more special because those close to him were able to enjoy the experience.
“Obviously scoring was a highlight for me, as it was my first for Baker,” Lowndes said. “Also, the fact that my friends and family members were listening back home on the live (KNBU) broadcast made it extra special. But in soccer it is ‘we and us’ not ‘me and I.’ Therefore, I was just happy that we managed to get the win.”
Baldwin said the ‘Cats were fortunate to snatch a victory from the Cougars.
“I think we were lucky to come away with the result we did,” Baldwin said. “There were about 20-25 minutes collectively where we played relatively close to how we can play the other 65-70 minutes we let them play.”
The true test for Baker has just begun, junior Matt Hamilton said.
“The hard part of our season is about to kick off with playing games every three or four days,” Hamilton said. “The game against Columbia was not the best soccer we have played all year, but it was a win and as long as we continue to win that is all that matters.”
The Wildcats face Culver-Stockton College at 7 p.m. Saturday at Liston Stadium.
