September 21 Metropolitan Community College at Sedalia

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Roadrunners battled to a 0-0 double-overtime draw with Region 16 rival Metropolitan Community College (MCC) at home Wednesday, Sept.21.

SFCC had opportunities throughout the match but, were unable to find the back of the net.

Freshman forward Hugo Sanchez led the team with three shots. SFCC registered 15 shots as a team, nine of which were on target.

"We needed to find that goal," said Roadrunners Head Soccer Coach Jaime Beltran. "We had the winning ball at our feet at least four or five times. I'm upset about not getting the win, as anyone would be but, in general I have very little to be upset about in this game. Our team played well. We were undermanned in a couple of situations because of some injuries. Some other guys had to step up, and several guys who stepped up did a really good job today. It was a good back-and-forth game. This is a good rivalry. Our team is growing, they are maturing right before our eyes. Once you get to postseason you just have to get things right at the right time."

Sophomore goalkeeper Wesley Morrison got the start for SFCC and made six saves.

"I thought our entire defense played well," said Beltran. "I thought Wesley played his best game of the year.

September 24 Southwestern Illinois College at Sedalia

SFCC (2-6-1, 0-3-1 in Region 16) picked up a 2-1 victory over Southwestern Illinois College at home on Saturday, Sept. 24.

SFCC and Southwestern Illinois battled to a scoreless tie at halftime. Southwestern Illinois got on the scoreboard with less than 36 minutes remaining in the second half.

"We made some adjustments," said Beltran. "We created so many chances in the first half but, the ball wasn't quite going in the goal. We changed a couple of positioning things, so we were in a better position to take some shots. The main thing we talked about at halftime was don't be scared to unleash a shot. When you have to shoot, shoot with confidence."

SFCC tied the match with a goal off a set piece from sophomore Kenzo Florio with an assist from freshman Ben Bailie with about 34 minutes remaining.

Freshman Bruno Saucedo scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal off a pass from freshman Ian Viscarra with about 26 minutes and 38 seconds remaining in the game.

"I think we battled the entire game," said Beltran. "We had a lot of opportunities, for some reason we still have a 5-to-10-minute lull in every game. To our team's credit, instead of putting their heads down, they kept battling and finally found the back of the net a couple of times."

Morrison and freshman goalkeeper AJ Young split time at goal for SFCC, where Morrison and Young recorded three saves each.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics