A seventh-minute goal proved to be the difference Saturday afternoon as the Barton Community College women’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Seward County Community College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
The loss drops Barton to 1-4-7 in Jayhawk Conference play and 3-4-8 overall, while Seward County improves to 2-6-3 in league action and 5-7-3 on the season. The Cougars now turn their attention to a pair of nationally ranked opponents, traveling to No. 6 Butler Community College for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff Wednesday before returning home Saturday to close out the conference portion of the regular season against No. 4 Cowley College.
Defending against a steady 15-mph south wind in the opening half, Barton found itself trailing just seven minutes into the contest. Seward County’s Julia Astrath wove through the Cougar defense before unleashing a 20-yard strike, utilizing the wind at her back to send her attempt just under the crossbar for the early 1-0 edge.
The Saints sustained the pressure throughout the opening half, holding a 9-2 advantage in shots while forcing Barton goalkeeper Lucie Gillig into four saves. Seward County nearly doubled its lead in the final minutes when Juliana Salazar’s attempt struck the post, keeping the deficit at 1-0.
With the wind at their backs for the final 45 minutes, the Cougars increased their offensive output but struggled to find the finishing touch. Barton managed four shots during the period, with Mikka Kolle and Analys Silva each putting attempts on frame that were turned away by Seward County netminder Christie Kannengiesser. The Saints held firm defensively down the stretch, preserving the 1-0 shutout victory.
By The Numbers:
Seward County finished with a 12-6 advantage in shots, including an 8-4 edge in attempts on goal. After being outshot 9-2 in the opening half, the Cougars held a 4-3 advantage over the final 45 minutes.
Ana Luiza Gori led the Cougar offense with two shots, placing one on frame, while Silva, Kolle and Ella Swift each recorded a shot on goal. Between the pipes, Lucie Gillig finished with seven saves, while Seward County’s Christie Kannenglesser turned away all four attempts to preserve the shutout.
Game Notes
– Barton leads the all-time series 4-2-2
– Seward County clinched this year’s season series 1-0-1
– Saturday’s result marked the Saints’ first win in Great Bend, dropping Barton to 2-1-0 at home in the series
– Barton was held scoreless in both meetings this year
