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Tyler Junior College Apache Athletics
Apaches' Season Ends with 3-2 Loss to #7 Indian Hills Warriors in Pool Play
Apaches' Season Ends with 3-2 Loss to #7 Indian Hills Warriors in Pool Play

Apaches' Season Ends with 3-2 Loss to #7 Indian Hills Warriors in Pool Play

 

Wichita, KS – The Apaches' season came to a heartbreaking end on the third and final day of pool play, as they fell 3-2 to the #7 ranked Indian Hills Warriors. The match started with an exciting opening as the Apaches scored just one minute into the game. Hagan Cupido delivered a precise cross to Carlo Romberg, who finished it off with a shot into the lower left corner to give the Apaches an early 1-0 lead.

Indian Hills quickly responded, but Apache goalkeeper Joe Pollard made a stellar jumping save to keep the Warriors at bay. Both teams struggled to control the tempo in the first half, with possession shifting back and forth. Despite numerous opportunities, neither team could capitalize, and the game remained tight.

The Apaches had another chance to extend their lead when Cupido crossed the ball to Yart Van Lieshout, but Van Lieshout's shot sailed over the bar. The Warriors had their moments too, with a few crosses into the box, but Pollard was there to make the saves.

The Warriors equalized in the 36th minute with a header from number 10, which found the lower right corner of the net. However, the Apaches responded just a minute later. Noe Robles sent in a corner kick, and Joakim's header gave the Apaches a 2-1 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the intensity increased as both teams battled for control. Pollard made key saves, including a diving stop on a free kick and a brilliant save on a corner kick. However, the Warriors capitalized on a giveaway in the 56th minute, with Miguel Friend scoring through Pollard's legs to level the score at 2-2.

As the match wore on, the Apaches pressed forward in search of a go-ahead goal. A bicycle kick from Cupido was deflected by the Warriors' goalkeeper, and Pollard continued to make saves to keep the Apaches in the game. Despite their best efforts, in the 69th minute, Indian Hills took the lead when they capitalized on a cross that Pollard was unable to control, making it 3-2. 

The Apaches' final push for an equalizer fell short, and the match ended with Indian Hills claiming a 3-2 victory. Joe Pollard was able to end the game with 9 saves. With this loss, the Apaches' season officially came to an end. Despite the valiant effort, the team will not advance, but they will take pride in their strong performances throughout the tournament. 

The men were able to end the season with a 17-1-2 record making this loss the first of the season. The team played 20 games with 388 shots and 48 goals scored. Hagan Cupido amd Yart Van Lieshout both ended the season with 10 goals. Carlo ends the season with 7 goals and the team high of 11 assists. Another large contributor to assists was Oscar Bech. Alfred Mikkelsen and Joe Pollard end the season with similar minutes both had great seasons with with a Mikkelson save percentage of 86% (6 goals against and 37 saves) and Pollard with 85.7% save percentage (5 goals against and 30 saves).

Not all outstanding players can be summarized in stats specifically our defenders Ljubo Popovic, Mike Ney, and Joakim Brandgaard were stellar defenders. The hardwork and dedication of this year's team was unlike any other and was a joy to watch.