RSU Men on Early Roll After Historic Win

After opening their season with a tie at Oklahoma Wesleyan 0-0 and falling in their first home game against Lyon College 1-2, the Rogers State men’s soccer team took their game to another level defeating Oral Roberts 1-0 on ORU‘s home turf.

The Hillcats added a stunning win to the record books marking the first victory over a NCAA Division I opponent in any sport at RSU.

ORU transfer, Sergio Guerra scored the game-winning goal in the 81st minute to lift the Hillcats past the Golden Eagles (2-1-0).

With time running down, Junior T.J. Martin sent the ball into the box, finding Guerra who sent a diving header past the ORU goalkeeper in front of over 400 fans.

“It was a good feeling to score against my ex-school,” said Guerra.

RSU attacked the goal aggressively the entire game, putting five shots on frame. The Hillcat defense held the Golden Eagles to just one shot on goal. Senior Sean Surridge earned the shutout win in goal for the RSU.

Three days later, the Hillcats overcame a double overtime battle snagging a 2-1 victory over Friends University at Soldier Field.

As the crowd awaited anxiously on the edge of their seats, within minutes of the second overtime RSU’s midfielder Steven Baker blasted the winning shot through the net, clinching the game winner for the Hillcats.

RSU and Friends took six shots on goal in the game. Senior goalkeeper Sean Surridge made five saves in his second win of the season.

“I’m proud of them because they hung in there, they played tough and at the end of the day they got the results and that’s all that matters,” said Larkin.

Guerra and Surridge earned Sooner Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for Sept. 6-12.

Guerra sealed the deal scoring the winning goal against ORU and nailing the opening point against Friends in overtime. Surridge made his mark allowing only one goal and tallying up six saves with the shutout win in goal over ORU.

The Hillcats spent the next two home games rolling over opponents Bethel College 5-0 and McPherson College 4-0 building their record to 4-1-1 after a 4-game winning streak.

“I think it’s awesome. We have to keep it up and hopefully we get a national recognition soon,” said senior midfielder Carlos Zuta.

RSU men will head on a five-game road trip beginning Sept. 18 against Avila College, coming back home Oct. 9 to play conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist University.

(Photo by gssphotography.com)

Oh Snap!

Hillcat Update: As of Sept. 24, RSU men are 6-1-1.

Go to soonerathletic.org for the latest conference standings