DODGE CITY, Kan. — Seward County women’s soccer’s second-half push fell just short Sunday afternoon as the Saints dropped a 2-1 decision to the Barton Cougars in a neutral-site Jayhawk Conference match at Memorial Stadium.
After Barton (7-5, 4-4 KJCCC) struck twice late in the first half, Seward County’s (4-5, 3-5) defense tightened up to keep the Cougars off the board the rest of the way. Sophomore defender Eduarda Martins gave the Saints life in the 69th minute, burying her second goal of the season to make it 2-1.
Goalkeeper Caroline Benck kept the Saints within reach, tallying nine saves — including five in the opening half — against 11 shots on goal. The nine saves were her second most on the season.
The Saints were outshot 17-7 overall but controlled much of the second half, earning four corner kicks to Barton’s none.
Barton took a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute on Kayla Methman’s finish off an assist from Saki Takaki, then doubled the margin eight minutes later on Sara Aguirre’s unassisted strike.
Seward and Barton split the regular season matchups this season with the Saints winning 3-2 at home in the conference opener on Sept. 10th.
Seward returns to action on Wednesday as they travel to Arkansas City for a 5 p.m. match with the seventh ranked Cowley Tigers.
