(Photo by: Brian Trejo)

It was a busy Saturday for Johnson County Community College soccer, with the women continuing their strong run while fighting to a draw against KCCC.

Women’s Team: Confidence Commitment, and Chemistry

Coming off a big win earlier in the week, the Lady Cavaliers carried their confidence straight into Saturday’s game. Sophomore midfielder Lily Marshall said the group was determined to keep building momentum.

“After our really big win on Wednesday, we were just really determined to keep our momentum going into this game as well,’’ Marshall said.

Marshall credited the team’s pressing and defense as major strengths.

“We were really good at pressing today and staying very compact,” Marshall added. “When we lost the ball, we were able to get it back really well, and I was really happy with the way our defense performed.’’

Meanwhile, teammates Brecken Hoy and Jade Smallwood agreed energy and cohesion were the biggest factor in the match.They also noted that the Cavaliers passing and communication continue to improve.

When asked to describe the team’s identity, Hoy and Smallwood agreed that the Cavaliers are energetic, selfless, and positive.

Men’s Team: Lessons Learned in Competitive Draw 

The men’s game ended in a draw, but not without intensity and opportunities. Sophomore Mike Bernabe admitted mistakes proved costly in the match.

“Challenges we’ve faced in the game were just our own mistakes,” Bernabe said. “I take responsibility for the tie as I messed up for my team when they needed me. Rivalry games are always tough, and with the high heat and in the moment, sometimes there are mistakes. That being said, we will go back to the drawing board and focus on our next match on Wednesday in STL.”

Bernabe noted that energy from the bench fueled the team on the field, helping them press forward and create chances. Despite the draw, he said the performance left positives to build on.

“We moved the ball very well, as we had 52.9% possession,” Bernabe said. “Everyone was working their tails off to find the ball and distribute it to start an attack…Overall, it was a good night, just unlucky.”

Freshman Ben Points echoed those takeaways, pointing to tactical adjustments that were limited to the opponent’s strengths.

“We decided that whoever played the attacking mid should not let the other team’s defensive mid receive the ball and take them out of the game,” Points said.

Points also emphasize the attacking opportunities created.

“We created good chances against a good opponent and looked dangerous in the attacking third,” Points said.

Like Bernabe, Points said results will serve as motivation moving forward.

“I think this will motivate the whole team because we are done tying games that we should be winning,” Points declared.

Looking Ahead  

The Lady Cavaliers will aim to extend their winning streak, while the men regroup with a renewed focus on turning hard-fought draws into wins. Both teams left Saturday’s doubleheader with clear signs of growth, energy, and the drive to compete at the highest level.