The Butler soccer team suffered their first conference loss of the season in a tough road battle at Cowley Saturday afternoon losing to the Tigers 3-2.
Cowley, whom the Grizzlies defeated in the Region VI quarterfinal round last spring, was hungry and itching for this game. They showed they were ready coming out the gate and scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the game to take a 2-0 lead.
From that point on, the Grizzlies had to play catchup. Butler started their comeback just two minutes after falling behind 2-0 with a goal from Kim McAlpine in the sixth minute of the game off the assist from Joy Ngibuini.
Brooklyn Hunter bombed one in from 35-yards out right at the end of the half tying the game at 2-2 heading into the break.
Cowley, again, struck early in the second half scoring what would be the game winner off a 40-yard free kick from Leticia Belloni in the 50th minute. The Grizzlies would have some scoring opportunities late in the half but were unable to get it past the Tiger keeper Makayla Farquharson who finished the game with five saves. Cowley came away with the 3-2 win, handing Butler their first conference loss this season.
Unlike their previous KJCCC games, the Grizzlies had to be more on the defensive side of the ball than normal. Cowley outshot the Grizzlies 16-9 in the match and put nine shots on goal; three of which scored. Kyrah Klumpp finished with six saves in the match allowing three goals to score.
Butler, now 9-4 overall and 7-1 in KJCCC play, will look to rebound this Saturday as they head to Great Bend for a matchup with the Cougars at 12:00pm. Butler ended Barton's championship bid a season ago in the Region VI championship game defeating the Cougars 3-1 in Wichita to punch their ticket to the National Tournament. Barton is off to another good year coming into the week at 10-1 overall and 7-1 in conference play. Look for a great matchup Saturday in Great Bend between two very good soccer teams.
