By Chad Clevenger
WAXAHACHIE, Tex. (CCCTigers.com) – In a season with a lot of promise, ended with the Tigers losing their 4th one-goal loss of the season, in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat by the Nelson University Lions, and in turn the Tigers miss out on clinching a SAC Post Season Tournament Berth.
“Its tough to win games when we only get 5 shots at goal,” said Coach Cody Barlow, who finished his 1st season as Tiger Head Men’s Soccer Coach.
The game started with Post Season energy, as both teams were playing for that final spot in the SAC. The Tigers were brilliant defensively, but it was a Jafet Ramirez goal at the 23:38 mark in the 1st half that was the difference maker, as the ball was able to get by Tiger goalie John Stottlemire. The Tigers were able to get only 1 shot at goal, with a shot by Tyler Hoxie, which was saved by Lions goalie, Leonel Cuellar. The half ended with a 1-0 Lion lead.
The Tigers attacked strong to start the 2nd half, as a shot by Nicholas Arenare was saved by Cuellar. Several substitutions by the Tigers trying to find that equalizer, saw an exciting final 10 minutes of soccer, with haymakers thrown by each team. Senior Rodolfo Ramirez came in at goalie and saved both shots by the Lions. The Tigers were able to get 3 shots at goal in the final 10 minutes, with 2 shots by Tyler Hoxie, and one by Joan Muncharaz, but all 3 saved by Cuellar. The Tigers were unable to get the equalizer and the Tigers fell 1-0 to the hands of the Lions.
The Tigers finish the season with a 5-10-2 season record.