Northern continued their winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 win over Crowder College on a hot Sunday in Neosho, Missouri.  The Mavs did not start well in the game coming off a three hour and twenty minute bus ride.  Crowder controlled most of the possession in the first half, but the Roughriders could not penetrate the Maverick's midfield or defense to create any dangerous chances.  Northern was able to create a few chances of their own in the first half.  Jeff Rhea nearly scored on a corner kick that forced a save from the Crowder goalkeeper, and Rojay Smith struck a nice ball that seemed destined for the upper corner until the Roughrider goalkeeper made a miraculous save to keep the game scoreless. 

The Mavericks came out in the second half with much better effort and attitude and dominated possession in the second forty-five.  The Mavs outshot Crowder eleven to three in the second half.  The Roughriders goalkeeper kept them in the game with several great saves.  Prince Dom Afriyie, Jeff Rhea, and Rojay Smith all had shots saved, and a Crowder defender cleared a ball off the line saving a goal.  Darrion Wilson had a long shot curl to the far post, but just missed wide keeping the game scoreless.  With just sixteen minutes left in regulation Northern finally finished their chance.  Prince Dom Afriyie won a loose ball in the box and created a chance for Rojay Smith.  Smith was able to beat the keeper for the only goal of the game.  Crowder made it interesting in the final minutes of the game collecting a bad pass back in the midfield that created a one versus one situation with Northern goalkeeper, Bryson Reed.  Reed made a great save to preserve the shut out.  It was the Mavericks third shut out in a row. 

"It wasn't our best effort, especially in the first half" Coach Michael DuRoy said.  "Crowder is a good team.  They made us work for the win today.  I have a lot of respect for their players and coaches.  It was a hot day, and our players had to dig deep for this win.  Some of the guys are sick and had to fight through it.  I was proud of them for that.  Our back line had a solid game.  Daniel Perez, Jeff Rhea, and Josh Peters are doing a great job, and Bryson made an excellent save when we needed him.  At this level you win games with organized defense from the whole team and timely goal scoring.  We have been doing a nice job of both lately."

Northern's next game is an important conference game versus Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Thursday at 3:00 in Tonkawa.  The Mavs are 9-4-1 on the year.