WICHITA, Kan. – The Johnson County Community College men's soccer team was picked to finish last in the Kansas Jayhawk Conference East Division prior to the season's start. The Cavaliers have exceeded everyone's expectations by earning a share of the conference title, moving up the national ranking and now are just one victory away from qualifying for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament.
The No. 13-ranked Cavaliers advanced to the Plains District championship game following a double-overtime goal by sophomore defender Micah O'Garro in the 104th minute, which led to a 1-0 victory over No. 11-ranked Barton Community College in the semifinal on Thursday evening at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kan. Freshman midfielder Caden Hoehns and freshman forward Jacksyn McIntyre provided the assists.
O'Garro's blast, his fourth on the season and second game winner, was just the second shot on goal by Johnson County in the match, as Barton outshot the Cavaliers 25-to-6 and 11-to-2 on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Brandon McGaugh stopped all 11 shots he faced to earn his fifth shutout on the season, improving to 10-2-0 overall.
Johnson County (14-6-0) will face No. 15-ranked Cowley College (13-4-0) on Saturday, November 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Stryker Sports Complex. The winner will advance to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament November 13-19 in Melbourne, Fla. The Tigers demolished No. 17 Neosho County 6-1 to earn their spot to face the JCCC in the title match.
Johnson County is looking to advance to the national tournament for the fourth time in program history. The Cavaliers last qualified in 2004 when they placed fifth. They also qualified in 1994 and 2001 when they placed third nationally.