Dodge City 2 Garden City 1 (OT)
It took seven minutes into the first overtime against rival Garden City for the Red Demon Soccer team to take their first lead of the night. But with the Memorial Stadium lights dancing and the large partisan crowd roaring – the Demons (7-0, 3-0) pulled off a fantastic finish to remain undefeated on the 2024 season.
The second half was played almost entirely on the Garden City end of the field, but the Buffalo defense and goalkeeper kept the Demons out of the net – sending the game to overtime. While the Demon offense was frustrated all night with 20 shots on goal and 10 corner opportunities, Olivares summoned a little Demon magic heading the ball over a defender and then chipping the ball over the Garden City goalie to send the Demon faithful into chants of Ole! – with commemorative 2016 Championship scarves waving.
Coach Saul Hernandez was pleased with the outcome – even if it came with some difficulty. “Our boys had to overcome adversity as it was the first time we were behind on the scoreboard all season long. They persevered as we have faith in our style of play and in each other in order to continue to keep the pressure on. It was a good test against a physical side and this game is only going to help us improve as a team.”
The Red Demons are headed to Great Bend on Thursday to complete the first round of WAC action. “I can’t believe we are almost to the halfway point of the season. It has been exciting to watch the boys compete, as this is a totally different team than it was last year. I’m not just talking about the personnel but our adjustments that we have made to our playing style. I have loved every moment of it and enjoy watching the boys grow individually and as a team. We are taking it one game at a time and being present in each moment in practice and in the games.”
The Demons return home next Tuesday night to Memorial Stadium to take on the Derby Panthers. The program will be honoring the 2020 State Championship team – and will be handing out scarves to the first (250) fans in attendance.
