Kansas City
4-6-5, 2-2-3
St. Thomas
2-10-3, 0-5-2
Murguia's Late Free Kick Lifts Roos to Senior Night Victory
10/28/2023 10:29:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Edson Murguia sent a free kick into the back of the net in the 89th minute to secure three points for the Roos
KANSAS CITY - Despite constant rainfall and a mid-game delay, Kansas City Men's Soccer (4-6-5, 2-2-3 Summit) did not falter, picking up a late win over St. Thomas (2-10-3, 0-5-2 Summit), 1-0. A constant second half attack paid off for the Roos as Samuel Nagy drew a foul outside the box in the 89th minute, with Edson Murguia sending the ensuing free kick soaring into the back of the net, securing the victory for KC. With the win, Kansas City has secured a spot in the Summit League Championships for the third-straight season. Prior to the game, Carson Lindsey, Griffin Cook and Seth Kacich were honored during Senior Night festivities for their dedication to the Kansas City program.
KEY MOMENTS
- 16' / 0-0 | Christian Koffi fired a shot from outside of the box that flew low and right, barely tipping off the gloves of the St. Thomas keeper and out for a corner kick.
- 41' / 0-0 | After a lengthy delay of the game due to a power outage, play resumed as Griffin Cook came flying in hot from the midfield for a crunching tackle that set an aggressive tone defensively.
- 48' / 0-0 | Kansas City came out of the half with offense on the mind, earning a pair of corner kicks that resulted in a shot for Luke Hoelting.
- 60' / 0-0 | The Roos rattled off three-straight shots, first a pair from Hector Taboada that were both blocked by the Tommies back line. Then, Eliott Labeth placed a shot on-frame, but it was saved by the UST keeper.
- 65' / 0-0 | St. Thomas used a free kick opportunity to send a shot towards the net, but it was safely played into the arms of Robin Balters for a save.
- 84' / 0-0 | Brevyn Cole had a chance at goal from the top of the box, sending a shot that curled just outside of the right post.
- 89'Â / 0-0 | Nagy had an open run at the goal, but was taken down from behind 10 yards outside the box, resulting in a St. Thomas player being sent off. On the free kick, Murguia approached with his right foot, sending a blast into the upper-right corner and propelling KC to victory.
An absolute LASER by @emurguia_10 ??#ROOUP | #DeclareKC https://t.co/kDyICENsGD pic.twitter.com/DHSUBezlCQ
— Kansas City Soccer (@KCRoosMSoccer) October 29, 2023
STATS TO NOTE
- Kansas City has now shut out its last three opponents, a streak that has not been accomplished by the Roos since Aug. 25 through Sep. 3 of 2017.
- The Roos are in the postseason for the third consecutive season, the longest streak for the program since 2012-14.
- Murguia's goal was his third on the season, tying him for the team lead. It was his second goal to come in the 89th minute of a game, the first being the equalizing goal against Omaha on Sep. 23.
- The Roos' defense allowed just one shot on goal all night, tying a season low. Across the past three games, KC is allowing an average of 1.7 shots on goal per game.
UP NEXTÂ
Kansas City will pack its bags and hit the road on Nov. 4 for a Summit League matchup against Denver at 8 p.m. The Pioneers secured the Summit League Regular Season Championship tonight, and defeated the Roos 1-0 on Oct. 7.
Team Stats
Edson Murguia (3)
Free kick restart, 25 yards
88:52
