Owls split two for second in home tourney

The difference between a first-year rural boys' program and that of an established metro large school was demonstrated by the Marshall boys' soccer team Saturday.

The Owls manhandled the School of the Osage for a 10-0 victory in the first round of the Marshall Tournament, but then fell short by a 3-1 margin in the championship match against Truman of Independence.

The Indians helped Marshall with an "own" goal seven minutes into the chilly early morning contest. The Owls, despite dominating ball possession, didn't break through on their own until 31 minutes into the match -- but then the rout was on.

Senior Alex Tapia knocked a pair of shots into the far side of the net within a minute of each other, both assisted by junior Omar Farfan. A high crossing pass from senior Andy Suarez was headed in by sophomore Alan Magana during first-half "add" time.

Sophomore Erik Moreno set up junior Jon Najera for a shot inside the right goalpost two minutes into the second half, and Tapia followed soon after with a left-footed crossfire blast for a 6-0 lead -- tying Najera with team-high honors with his 18th goal of the season.

Marshall scored four times within a 10-minute span to put an early end to the match, starting with senior Marvin Alvarez' short boot.

The reserves added to the scoring spree, senior Carlos Mendoza and sophomore Carlos Campos each getting their first career goals bracketing the seventh of the season for Suarez.

The Owls' defense, led by junior sweeper Jose Reyes, held Osage (6-8) in check. However, senior goalkeeper Nathan Foreman got a shutout in his first varsity start with two saves -- one a diving knock-down of a drive by freshman Connor Hullett late in the first half.

After sitting for five hours, Marshall unlimbered in the seventh minute of the title clash as Moreno set up Najera for a shot in the box. However, the Patriots tightened up on defense, allowing only six more attacks the rest of the match -- four by Najera, but limiting Tapia to one shot.

Still, the Owls' held on to their 1-0 lead until midway in the second half, when senior Mike Roberts found the right corner of the twine.

A minute later, Truman pulled ahead on junior Marshall Franco's goal.

Marshall tried to rally, but couldn't connect and the Patriots (5-10-1) got an insurance goal when Foreman fumbled freshman Zach Felz' low mid-range liner.

It was the first match the Owls (13-3) lost this season to any opponent other than Moberly, which they'll meet for the third time in the regular season finale Oct. 27.

Meanwhile, Marshall will go on the road Tuesday for an NCMC contest at Boonville.