OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County Community College men's soccer team opened its 2021 campaign on Sunday in Beatrice, Neb., and came away with an impressive 5-2 victory.
Freshman forward Alan Lopez, the 2021 Gatorade High School Player of the Year for Kansas, launched his collegiate career with two goals, including the game-winner, to power the Cavaliers offense.
Forward Ashton Owen, one of the team's leading scorers last season, got the season started with a goal in the 31st minute of the contest, with the assist going to Johan Hernandez.
Lopez made it 2-0 in the 43rd minutes off a feed from Brett Harding, and five minutes into the second half he upped JCCC's lead to 3-nil. Troy Henry was credited with the assist.
Southeast managed two pull with one score on goals by Luigi Poccoli in the 54th and 58th minutes, but Sean Brooks put JCCC back on top by two goals in the 65th minute, with the assist going to Rajae Lawrence.
The pair teamed up again two minutes later, this time Lawrence getting the score off the feed from Brooks.
Freshman goalkeeper Cole Stewart earned his first victory, stopping 12 of the 14 shots he faced.