Northwest men’s soccer routs Dyersburg State 8-0 for first win since 2016
Senatobia, Miss. — The Northwest Mississippi Community College men’s soccer team defeated Dyersburg State 8-0 Tuesday at Ranger Soccer Field. The victory marked the team’s first of the season and its first since 2016, ending a streak of draws and losses.
Head Coach Windham Whatley said the win lifted a weight off the team. “You could feel the anxiousness and frustration of being in every game,” he said. “Getting over that hump should set the boys free and give them some confidence.”
The Rangers took an early lead when Bolu Owoyemi scored in the fifth minute off a cross from Giovani Salinas. Owoyemi added a second goal in the 19th minute on a deflected shot. Less than a minute before halftime, Owoyemi scored again on a rebound, completing a hat trick and tying the program record for goals in a game set in 2010.
Owoyemi continued his dominant performance in the second half, scoring three more goals. His third came just over five minutes into the period on a cross from Wyatt Sharp. He scored his final goal in the 72nd minute after a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
In the 77th minute, Joseph Jackson scored following a pass from Owoyemi. Jaylen Grey added another goal in the 86th minute on a cross from Audon Sammons, and Giovani Salinas closed the scoring in the final seconds from a pass by Wesley Kilpatrick.
William Wood credited the team’s adjustments for the offensive surge. “We changed our system and it worked perfectly,” he said. Coach Whatley praised the team’s preparation and execution, highlighting the contributions of multiple players on offense and defense. “The boys deserve it for their effort and focus in practice,” he said.
The victory was also notable for the clean sheet, with freshman goalkeeper TJay Gibb recording his first shutout in college. Gibb has allowed only one goal in his first two games.
Coach Whatley attributed the defensive success to aggressive pressing from the front line. “The back four were superb today, but most of it came from the front five’s pressure,” he said. “That prevented Dyersburg from even countering.”
This win was the first 8-0 victory for the Rangers since their season opener in 2016 against Copiah-Lincoln. It is only the sixth such win in program history, matching the largest goal difference ever.
Looking ahead, Northwest will compete at the St. Louis Showcase against Allen County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College. The team’s next game is Friday at 4 p.m., followed by a match Sunday at 1 p.m., both at the showcase.
Whatley emphasized the importance of focusing on both strengths and mistakes as the season progresses. “We need to rest but also analyze what worked and what didn’t,” he said. For updates, fans can visit nwccrangers.com or follow Northwest athletics on social media.
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