Warriors struggle against Falcons

Friends defeated Sterling 9-0 on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Adair-Austin Stadium in Wichita, Kan. Despite Sterling's goalkeeper making eight saves, Friends University dominated with nine goals, scoring five in the first half and adding four more in the second. The match saw Sterling managing only three shots, with one on target.

The first half commenced with Sterling's defense facing significant pressure from the Falcons. Cassidy Kelly was instrumental in goal, recording multiple saves, including key stops against shots from Jose Quiel and Andres Michael Xibilia. However, Friends University managed to break through with a goal by Xibilia in the 17th minute, assisted by Sora Shibata.

Sterling attempted to respond with corner kicks but struggled to convert them into offensive momentum. The Falcons continued to capitalize on their opportunities, extending their lead with goals from Felipe Calderaro, Sora Shibata and Eddy Rachedi. The half concluded with the Falcons leading 5-0, as Sterling aimed to regroup during the break.

The second half began with the Falcons extending their lead against the Warriors. Early in the half, Kelly made a crucial save off a shot by Quiel, but Shibata soon found the back of the net to increase Friends' advantage. Sterling managed to create opportunities with shots from Jose Pacheco and Ruben Guzman, though both attempts were off target.

Friends University continued to press their advantage, with Juan Diego Alfaro and Shibata adding goals to widen the gap. Sterling's defense faced continuous pressure, and although Michael Kyalo tested the new Friends goalkeeper Aron Ponce, the shot was saved. Emilio Gutierrez scored another late goal for Friends, bringing the final score of the game to 9-0 in favor of the home team.

Kelly recorded seven saves in the match, facing a total of 16 shots. Kyalo managed to take one shot on goal, contributing offensively. Pacheco added another shot to the team's tally, though it was not on target. Guzman also attempted a shot, adding to the offensive efforts.

After the loss, Sterling moves to 3-8-1 overall, 1-7 in conference. They will face Kansas Wesleyan University (7-2-3, 4-1-2) in Salina, Kan. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.