OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – In a back-and-forth conference battle on Wednesday night, the No. 8-ranked Johnson County Community College men's soccer team managed to come out on top over Allen Community College.
The Cavaliers took the lead three time in the match, with the final time leading to a 4-3 victory.
Johnson County quickly jumped out to an early 2-nil lead on goals by sophomore defender Nick McTighe in the sixth minute and sophomore forward Monty Almliky in the seventh minute. Sophomores Christian Martinez and Caleb Brueckner were credited with the assists.
Allen's Finnaly Aherne cut their deficit to one goal in the 20th minute and 15 minutes later Alex Almeda pulled Red Devils even with a goal.
Sophomore forward Ryan Grinstead netted his sixth goal of the season in the 55th minute to put the Cavaliers up again, but in the 65th minute Aherne scored again knot the match at 3-3. Sophomore Brian Aleman picked up the assist.
Five minutes later Almaliky found sophomore forward Dominic Zuniga for his sixth goal of the year to put the Cavaliers up for a third and final time.
Freshman goalkeeper Ben Hertel earned the victory to improve to 6-1-0 on the season. He saved 10 of the 13 shots he faced.
The Cavaliers (10-3-0/4-2-0) continue conference play on Saturday when they host Hesston College at 5 p.m., at the JCCC Soccer Complex. Johnson County defeated the Larks 5-1 in Hesston back on September 18.