Northwest Mississippi men’s soccer opens season with 1-1 draw against UA Cossatot
The Northwest Mississippi Community College men’s soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against the University of Arkansas-Cossatot on Friday at the Ranger Soccer Field.
Head coach Windham Whatley, debuting as the team’s coach, said the result was a positive start. “It’s tough because we are in every game so far, so that’s a positive,” he said. “We are still showing how young we are with the mistakes we are making, so you take the positive moments; you work on the negative moments. Overall, to not lose on day one is a positive.”
Northwest took an early lead with a goal from freshman Bolu Owoyemi in the 45th minute. Owoyemi scored on a cross from sophomore Audon Sammons, marking his first collegiate goal. “I was just making sure I play my best for the team and score as many goals as I can to improve the team where I can,” Owoyemi said. “(Sammons) got the ball and worked hard to get to the ball in the box, and I had to be there to finish the ball and do what a striker does.”
Whatley praised Sammons’ effort, noting the versatility of the player. “Graham has come a long way in my time here. He has transitioned roles from a striker to a winger, to an outside back, and he has proven that he can do a lot of things for the team. Seeing him get on the stat sheet is a positive. For JB, that’s what’s expected of him, but as a team, we need to find him more often. That’s three goals in four games including the preseason. If we can continue to find him, good things will happen.”
The second half saw the offense struggle, and Cossatot capitalized with a goal in the 53rd minute to even the match. Both teams had chances in the final 37 minutes, including a critical save by NWCC goalkeeper TJay Gibb to keep the game tied. It marks the second consecutive season the Rangers have opened with a draw, though last year’s result was later converted to a forfeit.
Owoyemi said the team’s start is promising but emphasized the need to create more scoring chances. “We need to get the ball in the box as much as possible; after all, we got a goal from a ball in the box. Hopefully we work on that in training and get more in the box so we can score more goals.”
Northwest will host Dyersburg State Community College on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Ranger Soccer Field. The match will be streamed online at www.nwccrangers.com/watch, with pregame coverage beginning at 3:55 p.m. Fans can follow the team through the school’s website and social media channels.
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