SUMMIT - A scoreless battle through one half of play turned into a strong second half for Southwest Mississippi, as the Bears defeated Northwest by a 4-0 final on Friday evening.
Northwest pushed the Bears to the wire through the first 45 minutes of play, holding an opponent scoreless in the first half for only the second time this season. However, Southwest Mississippi came out even more aggressive to start the second half, eventually breaking the scoreless drought.
In the 53rd minute, the Bears tacked on their first goal, as Jamie Chamberlain connected with Jade Baartman. The duo would team up again in the 68th minute, pushing the Rangers into a 2-0 deficit.
Things went from bad to worse from Northwest as the second half progressed. A missed penalty kick attempt by
Jesus Villegas and a
Cam Heinze ejection injected even more life into the Bears, as Southwest Mississippi eventually added back-to-back goals in the 78th and 79th minutes, effectively sealing the match.
Southwest Mississippi finished with a 25-11 margin in total shots, but nine of the Rangers' 11 shots did come on-goal. Villegas had three shots on-goal, the most of any Northwest player, while
Koby Rhone added two of his own.Â
Connor Young collected 11 saves for Northwest in a full 90-minute effort. On the other side, Cooper Odom tacked on nine saves for the Bears.
With the loss, Northwest fell to 1-10 overall and remained winless in MACCC play. The Rangers will aim to snap the losing skid on Friday, October 14 against Copiah-Lincoln. Kickoff in Senatobia is scheduled for 3 P.M., with live match coverage available on Ranger TV.
