Two first half goals jumpstart Mavs, defeat Otero 3-1
The Northwest Kansas Technical College Mavericks earned the program's first-ever win over Otero Junior College 3-1 on Friday.
The Mavs struck first in the 30th minute with beautiful combination play from freshmen Patryk Cichosz and Alfie Tonkin, which led to the goal from Alessandro Sanchez (2). It is the second-consecutive game Sanchez has found the back of the net.
Northwest Tech extended their lead in the 37th minute courtesy of a lofted free kick from freshman Dean Longhi. The ball dropped in the box to freshman Greg Williams (1) who netted his first collegiate goal.
The Mavs made the lead 3-0 with a 70th minute insurance goal from sophomore Yacir Allen (1) after an over-the-top ball from Tonkin.
Otero's Treydin Winward pulled a goal back to make the score 3-1 in the 87th minute but the Mavs held off the late surge to keep the result.
Sophomore Jarell Yapching recorded his second consecutive win as goalkeeper for the Mavericks.
"It was tough playing conditions today with the strong winds," head coach Danny Main said postgame. "I'm proud of how hard we fought today to earn the victory."
Otero was ranked 18th nationally in the NJCAA Coaches Poll to begin the season. The Mavs have won two straight and will travel to recent-NAIA national champion Hastings College in Nebraska on Tuesday.