Sterling triumphed over Barclay College with a decisive 3-0 victory on Saturday, Sept. 6 in Sterling, Kan. Sterling dominated the match, outshooting Barclay 40-13. The Warriors secured the win with two first-half goals and added another in the second half. Sterling’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Cassidy Kelly recording seven saves to maintain a shutout.
Sterling began the first half with a strong defensive performance, as Cassidy Kelly made multiple key saves, including one just five seconds in, to deny Barclay’s early attempts. Jose Pacheco broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a penalty kick giving Sterling a 1-0 lead. Chimela Orji then capitalized on an assist from Daniel Stone in the 36th minute to extend Sterling’s advantage to 2-0, a score they maintained going into the break.
The second half commenced with Sterling applying consistent pressure, as Jonathan Torres took an early corner kick at the 45:50 mark. Despite numerous attempts, including a header from Ruben Guzman and multiple shots saved by Barclay’s goalkeeper Alex Herrera, Sterling persisted. The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Torres, assisted by Stone, scored his first goal of the season, extending Sterling’s lead to 3-0.
Kelly recorded seven saves to secure a shutout in Sterling’s latest match. Orji scored one goal and led the team with six shots, five of which were on target. Pacheco scored the game-winning goal, converting one of his three shots. Stone contributed two assists while also registering four shots, with three on goal.
With the win, the Warriors will move to 2-1-1 on the season. Up next, Sterling will travel to Bethany, Okla. to take on Southwestern Christian 2-1-1 on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
