The age-old axiom that it's "tough to beat a team three times" proved painfully accurate to Kansas City Kansas Community College's 11th ranked women's soccer team Saturday.
Garden City turned back several late Blue Devil attacks for a 3-2 win in a contest played in the worst of playing conditions with rain and near freezing temperatures. In two earlier meetings, KCKCC defeated the Broncbusters 3-0 in an early clash, but needed an improbable corner kick with eight minutes left for a 1-0 win just a week earlier.
The loss ended one of the best seasons in Blue Devil history. Finishing 13-4-2, the Blue Devils matched the KCKCC record for wins in a season (13-4 in 2019), and their 11 Jayhawk wins (11-3-2) are the second most wins in a conference season behind KCKCC's 2021 national tournament team that finished 12-4-1.
Despite a steady freezing drizzle, Garden City (9-9-4) took a 2-0 lead in the first half, punching in a shot from in front of the KCKCC goal just 38:56 into the game, followed by a 15-yard blast at 21:50.
KCKCC cut that lead in half when sophomore Jordon Bedard banged in a corner kick launched by sophomore defender Maria Luiza Rocha with 18:22 into the half. Garden City struck back, converting a midfield steal into a breakaway goal for a 3-1 lead with 20 minutes remaining in the second half.
Bedard's second goal, a rocket from just inside the 18-yard box, kept the Blue Devil hopes alive with 12:29 left. The goal was set up by well-placed passes from sophomores Payton Rayos and Cordilia Payne.
"Unfortunately, it was a day we gave up more goals than any game all season," KCKCC Coach Shawn Uhlenhake said. "Just an uncharacteristic performance. We rely on players who are fast and easily led the country in easy opportunities, but they were able to neutralize our strengths."
KCKCC was credited with 23 shots including nine on goal, seven of which were rejected.
"We had our opportunities," Uhlenhake said. "It was just one of those days."