Spurgeon Men's Soccer Faces One of Their Biggest Rivals   

Summary  

The second home game for the men's soccer team took place on Sept. 1st against Kansas Christian. This school is one of the Knights' greatest rivals, making the team nervous but excited to test themselves again. The crowd of fans was smaller for the game as there was no tailgate, but Spurgeon supporters still cheered from the sidelines. The match started with Kansas Christian dominating the field. Though the Knights recovered some of their momentum and pushed back in the second half, the damage had already been done. The Knights were defeated yet remain determined to rise above in the next match. 

How It Happened: 

• Off the bat, the Knights were struggling to keep up. Several subs were made early in the game to mediate the situation. 

• The substitutions slowed Kansas Christian's warpath, and the Knights pushed back brutally. Fouls rose on both sides, and one of the Knights received a yellow card.  

• Just before the end of the first half, Kansas Christian made yet another goal, making it a grave halftime for the Knights.  

• The second half started with more fouls and trouble for the Knights. Kansas Christian began switching out players and subs, so the Knights did the same.  

• The Knights' goalie, Ronnie Godwin, was being pummeled with shots on goal, yet stayed on his game. He made multiple saves in a row.  

• The second half was far more chaotic, with players on both teams coming on and off the field as Kansas Christian pressed their advantage and the Knights fought hard to push them back.  

• Losing a game, especially a home game, is always a little discouraging, but losing to a respected rival makes it easier to bear. The next match between these teams will definitely be one to watch as the Knights' determination and ferocity on the field sets in.   

Highlights: 

• Ronnie Godwin, the Knights' goalie, faced fifteen shots on goal and made nine saves. Despite the odds, he did not let discouragement overwhelm him and continued to do his best against the onslaught of Kansas Christian shots on goal.  

• James Nkwanda and Caleb Hawkins (both newcomers to Spurgeon and the Knights) were the only two Knights to break through Kansas Christian's steel defenses and make a shot on goal. Though Kansas Christian's goalie saved both, it is a testament to these players' skills that they got so close.  

• The rivalry between Kansas Christian and Spurgeon Knights has been a longstanding one of respect and fierce match ups. Hopefully, the next game gives the Knights a chance to shine.  

Up Next: 

The men's soccer team played Emmaus Bible College on Sept. 6th and Coe College on Sept. 8th. They have their next home game Sept. 15th, 1 pm, against Ozark Christian College.