After reeling off four straight victories, the Baker University men’s soccer team returned from the Sooner state with an empty feeling after back-to-back losses to top 25 ranked opponents.
The 19th ranked Wildcats squared off with the 10th ranked Crimson Storm of Southern Nazarene University Saturday in Bethany, Okla.
If the meaning of the game was ever questioned, it was answered in the first minute of the match as the intensity level was at an all-time high when junior Owen Barnhart was head butted by Southern Nazarene forward Harouna Pare.
Pare received a yellow card for his actions, but failed to learn his lesson. Just two minutes later, Pare was sent off with a red card after he hacked down junior Matt Hodges.
“He was just reckless,” Hodges said. “He scissor-kicked me down and that was it for him.”
Head coach Alan Koch said Pare’s actions were a clear example of the passion displayed in the match.
“He was just fired up,” he said. “That’s really how the whole match went. It was very, very intense. Two very, very good teams played on Saturday night.”
Despite the man advantage, the ‘Cats couldn’t find a way to crack the scoreboard in regulation but neither could the Crimson Storm.
With the match deadlocked at 0-0, the two teams headed into overtime. The first overtime remained a defensive battle as both teams failed to score.
In the second overtime, the game appeared destined to finish in a scoreless draw until senior Josh McDaniel created an opportunity for himself on a breakaway, but was stoned by Southern Nazarene goalkeeper David Eguren.
The Crimson Storm counter-attacked weaving the ball up the field and through the Baker defense. With 107:07 on the game clock, Southern Nazarene defender J.P. Hanger headed the ball past goalkeeper Aaron Williams and into the back of the net for the game-winner, ending the match and giving the Wildcats a disappointing loss.
This game showcased the talents of two excellent soccer clubs, Koch said.
“We played really, really well,” he said. “It was an even matchup of two very good teams going at each other. They are a very good team that could potentially win a national championship.”
In the match, the Crimson Storm out shot Baker 21-12 with the ‘Cats getting six shots on goal to Southern Nazarene’s nine. Following the early red card, the game remained intense with Southern Nazarene adding three yellow cards to the box score while Baker collected four yellow cards of its own.
While the game was intense, McDaniels said the referee had a quick whistle.
“He was calling every little contact that was made,” he said. “But with the intensity of the match, I guess that’s what he had to do.”
Williams finished the game with eight saves and one goal allowed.
One night earlier, the ‘Cats took on Oklahoma City University in another matchup of nationally ranked men’s soccer teams in Oklahoma City.
Facing the 11th best team in the country, Baker fell behind early as the Stars scored the game’s first goal in the 16th minute of the match.
Just before the half, OCU added another goal in the 39th minute of play and took a 2-0 lead into the break.
The ‘Cats didn’t fair any better in the second half as the Stars added another goal and took the game, 3-0.
Baker was out shot in the match 21-7 and managed to get just three shots on goal.
The Wildcats will look to right the ship when Columbia College comes to town for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Liston Stadium.
Koch said the team will need the support of its fans in what should be another intense matchup.
“We are looking to rebound right away against Columbia,” he said. “Baker and Columbia have always had some exciting games and good competition. We need our fans to come out and help cheer us on to another big-time victory.”
