McPHERSON, Kan. (CCCTigers.com) – In a highly anticipated battle versus 2 teams who traditionally have success, but rarely meet, Tuesday night did not disappoint the fans. The Tigers were on the short end versus the Bulldogs 0-1, in a heated and emotional match that ended with both teams and fans embracing each other in Prayer. The Tigers fall to 3-1-1 on the season after this Collegiate Cup Game.
The 1st half saw pretty even play and possession throughout, but the team play by McPherson late in the 1st half was able to sneak a goal at a crowed net, and the Bulldogs entered the Half down 0-1. A heated and physical 2nd half saw plenty of scoring opportunities by the Tigers only to fall short near the goal. The Tigers were able to get 2 of their 4 shots at goal in the final minutes of the Match, but were blocked. A chaotic final minute of the Tigers trying an equalizer goal, saw 4 yellow cards on both teams, and a near goal from Grant Adams as time expired. Timothy Foster had 6 saves at goal including an exciting penalty kick save in the final 10 minutes of play.
The story of the night was a serious injury to Tigers 5th year senior, Drew Schrader. Drew going for a header in the 76th minute, had his legs taken under him and fell awkwardly. Drew was taken off the field on stretcher, and while this was happening, both team embraced in prayer, and then the 2 student sections embraced in prayer together, for an amazing and touching moment. Play continued, for an emotional final 13:58, saw the Bulldogs on top 1-0. Schrader has been released from the hospital, and showed what the power of prayer can do in scary times!
The Tigers do not have much time off as they will be traveling to play 2 games this weekend. They will travel to Sioux City, Iowa to play Briar Cliff on Friday with a 3:30pm kickoff, which can be seen on the GPAC Network, and Mount Marty in Yankton, South Dakota on Saturday with a 4:45pm kickoff, and that game can be seen on the Mount Marty Sports Network.
