A fast start in a matchup of nationally ranked foes would not be enough for the No. 6 Barton Community College men's soccer team on the road Sunday afternoon as No. 17 Dodge City Community College responded with two unanswered goals to deal the Cougars a 2-1 setback at Dodge City's Memorial Stadium.
The result snaps Barton's four game winning streak, dropping the Cougars to 2-1-0 in conference play and 5-2-1 overall, while the Conquistadors remain unbeaten in league action at 2-0-1 and 5-0-2 on the season. Barton will look to rebound Wednesday evening against another nationally ranked opponent, traveling to No. 4 Cowley College for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Arkansas City.
Freshman Samuele Mailer wasted little time pushing the Cougars in front just 1:58 into the contest, as his defensive pressure forced a Conquistador turnover that led to a clean 1-on-1 chance from 12 yards out, burying his second tally of the season.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Dodge City struck back just 4:27 later, catching Barton's backline collapsed on the near-side before sliding the ball through the box for a backside tap-in knotted it up at 1-1.
The Conquistadors delivered the decisive goal in the 59th minute, driving down the far side before a cross placed into the box set up a near-post strike tucking inside the upper-90 from 14 yards out.
BARTON SCORING SUMMARY
1:58: Samuele Mailer (2)