Marshalltown, IA— After a later equalizer from freshman DJ Fluey (Blaine, MN/Spring Lake Park), the Tigers allowed a goal that proved to be the game-winner as MCC suffered a 2-1 loss to Oakton Community College on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers drop to 1-2-0 on the year.
The two sides played a scoreless match for 78 minutes until Oakton struck with the opening goal at the 78:38 mark. Fluey, who entered the game in the 77th minute, netted the tying goal just over a minute later on an assist from Lino Estevez (Vigo, Spain/I.E.S. San Paio). Oakton responded with a goal at 81:55 to steal the win in the Tigers' first home match of the year.
MCC outshot its opponent 18-11, including an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal. Kwan Tolbert (Conway, AR/Conway) took the loss in the net for the Tigers.
The Tigers continued their stretch of competitive play to open the season as Oakton entered the match receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll. Saturday's game was played after Friday's contest between the two teams was postponed due to lightning and rain.
MCC controlled the tempo early on, but failed to create scoring chances. A majority of play in the first 45 minutes was held in the MCC offensive zone. The Tigers held an 8-4 advantage in shots through the first frame.
The second half opened up with the same feel as the Tigers continued to pressure the Oakton defense. Carlos Smith (Des Moines, IA/East) provided some entertainment with a bicycle kick that soared just high in the 68th minute and Jordan Gilmore (Portadown, UK/Craigavon) sent a shot that sailed high in the 72nd minute.
Oakton finally broke through as the attacking forward found a hole on the MCC endline to put home the game's first goal. Fluey responded immediately as the freshman received a cross from Estevez on the far side to bury his first career goal.
Oakton's response was almost an identical goal to Fluey's as a cross from the far side beat Tolbert for the game winner.
The Tigers return to action tomorrow afternoon as MCC takes on Carl Sandburg College in Davenport, IA. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.