WILBURTON, Oklahoma -- Northern squeaked by Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton 2-1.
The win improved the #20 Mavs to 8-2 on the year and lead Region 2 with a 6-0 record.
Despite having ninety percent of the possession the Mavs found a way to make the game interesting. The Mountaineers had a defensive game plan that allowed the Mavs to keep the ball in their own half, but made getting any penetration difficult. Northern was patient and kept the ball for almost the entire first half. It wasn't until late in the first half that Northern left back Kareem Williams was able to find some space thirty yards from goal and unleash a powerful, swerving shot that beat the Eastern keeper. The Mountaineers would tie the game late in the first half when the Mavs failed to clear a ball and left an open shot from the top of the box.
Eastern came out of their defensive shell more in the second half allowing the Mavericks to get more opportunities, but the Mavs didn't make them pay until midway through the second half. Damorney Hutchinson picked up a loose ball in the box near the end line and backheeled a shot that deflected off an Eastern defender and into the goal for the game winner. Eastern created several chances late in the game off of long throw-ins and set plays, but the Mavs were able to keep the ball out of the net to pick up the win. Northern goalkeeper, Harry Archer, made a spectacular diving save on one occasion deflecting a free kick wide of the goal.
"We needed to win today," said coach Michael DuRoy. "Not only to stay at the top of the conference, but for our confidence. The guys showed great patience today, and were able to put more passes together than they have in the last few games. Eastern really packed it in the back and made it hard for us to find any space, but we were able to create just enough chances. Kareem's shot was unbelievable. I think it would still be traveling if it wasn't for the net. I was also happy to see Harry make a big save when we needed it. Hopefully we can build on it."