Bearcats Bounce Wildkats, Win 2-1 in Conference Play The Kokomo Wildcats visited the Muncie Central Bearcats this weekend in conference play, and dropped a heartbreaker, 2-1, to the hosts. The Wildcats played their best soccer of the season and stymied the Bearcat attack for most of the game. In the 20th minute, Gael Cordero, a senior midfielder, scored a fantastic free kick from just outside the penalty box for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, the Wildcats conceded far too many corner kicks, and the Bearcats were able to finish one of them before the half, and tied the score at 1-1. In the second half, the Wildcats pressed the Bearcats and kept them in their defending half of the field for long stretches, but the Wildcats were unable to create many clear-cut scoring chances. With 4 minutes to play, the Bearcats broke through the Wildkat defensive line, and the one of the Bearcat attackers was fouled in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick. The Bearcat captain stepped up and laced the penalty kick. Senior keeper Ethan Landrum was not able to get his hands to it, and as a result, Wildkats dropped their conference opener 2-1. It was a great effort by the Wildkats; we showed dramatic improvement from our previous matches, and we will use this week of training to build on our improvement. Your man of the match is Senior Gael Cordero. In the junior varsity match, the Wildcats controlled the game, the tempo, and the opportunities, rarely allowing the Muncie Central into their attacking half of the field. Junior striker Pedro Alonzo scored the first goal, and freshman Derek Palmeros Vallejo scored the second and final goal of the game while freshman keeper Ryan Elkins and sophomore keeper Sam Escutia Mondragon combined for the shutout win. The JV team has won its first two matches, both by shutout, and are playing well.