Cougars escape with overtime thriller over Independence

Playing its second extra time game in three days, the Barton Community College men's soccer team got a game-winning goal from a defenseman as the Cougars escaped 2-1 over Independence Community College.   Falling out of the NJCAA polls after a pair of losses to nationally ranked teams including Sunday's 1-0 overtime loss to No. 3 Tyler Junior College, the Cougars came from behind to avoid the Pirates' upset bid.  With the win Barton improves to 7-1-0 in conference and 8-3-1 overall while sinking the Pirates to 0-6-1 in conference and 1-9-2 overall.  The Cougars will next play nationally receiving votes Johnson County Community College in a pivotal conference battle at 3:30 p.m. in Overland Park.

Despite the advantage of a strong south wind in first half action, the Cougars' nine shots on goal could not find its mark as the teams went to intermission scoreless.

Drawing the ire of the Barton coaching staff and bench, Independence drew a penalty kick with twenty-one minutes left in the contest which subsequently changed the game.  After Fred Tozi's penalty kick trickled off the diving Barton goalkeeper Mauricio Vargas' fingers giving Independence a 1-0 lead, the Cougars were awakened.  Attacking the Pirate defense, Hector Mata finished off an Ebu Camara cross and the game was tied after a little over a minute had elapsed. 

Heading to extra time and Barton benefitting from the wind, the Cougars controlled the ball and tempo as they had all game.  Pressing the Pirate defense, Barton's offensive attack aided by back line defenders, finally finished off the Pirates as defender Demetrius Karabinas hammered home the rebound off of Juan Correa's attack on goal to give the Cougars the win.

Barton outshot Independence 23-4 in the game including a 4-1 advantage in extra time.  Recently announced KJCCC Verizon Wireless Goalkeeper of the Week Mauricio Vargas recorded two saves while Independence keeper Adam Laizure recorded eleven.