The game was played in Neosho Missouri which with a 4:00 pm kickoff, served to be very hot and humid.

 

The Red Ravens started the game strong by maintaining possession and creating chances going forward. Defensively, Coffeyville did well to stay organized and limit the Roughriders' offensive opportunities. Returning sophomore center backs, Tahj Hilton and Tiago Dias, played a big part in the Red Ravens defensive shape and pressure. Crowder was fortunate to get on the score sheet first. Coffeyville responded well to conceding their first goal and was rewarded for their efforts by netting an equalizer before halftime to send the teams into halftime with a 1-1 score.

 

Coffeyville looked to pick up right where they left off at the end of the first half. The Red Ravens continued to create chances but were unable to get the decisive go-ahead goal. Sophomore Daniel Gomes did well in the middle of the park to find spaces, receive the ball, and thread dangerous passes into the attack. Eventually, one of these threaded balls found sophomore Nicolaus Stoddart at the back post for a tap-in. Once the Red Ravens secured the 2-1 lead, they locked down on defense and made it nearly impossible for the Crowder attackers to get any sort of look on goal. Coffeyville was able to see the game out to earn a 2-1 win in their first official match of the season. One of the many highlights from Coffeyville's first match was their 6'4 CB, Tahj Hilton. Hilton won every aerial ball that he challenged for, made countless key tackles to stop the Roughriders' attack, and did very well distributing the ball from the back. Hilton was named Man of the Match.

 

This was a great start to the Red Ravens 2021 season. Their attention now shifts to Fort Hays State University. Coffeyville will be traveling to Hays, Kansas to play the Tigers on August 27th with a 3:00 pm kickoff. Fort Hays State University will be the last test for the Red Ravens before they kick-off conference play by hosting Johnson County on September 1st.