Kansas City wins first NCAA Tournament game at home

  The Kansas City Roos men’s soccer team got its first NCAA Tournament win at Durwood Stadium against the Lindenwood Lions. The final score was 1-0. 

  “This was a special night for our program,” said head coach Ryan Pore. “I couldn’t be more proud of the guys and the effort they put forth.”

  Neither team scored in the first half, but it was a physical back-and-forth game, with each team having five fouls by halftime. Kansas City controlled the tempo of the first half, having 61% possession.

  Coming out of halftime, the game looked tight and well-balanced, but at the 54-minute mark, Sophomore midfielder Kevin Nkumu scored his first career goal to put the Roos on the board. 

  “When the ball came to me, I knew I was in the position to score,” said Nkumu. “It was a very special moment for me.” 

  The Roos would ride its momentum until the end of the game, especially with its defense. With eight seconds left, Kansas City blocked two shots to seal the game, and the crowd went crazy.

  “We really appreciated everyone coming out to support us,” said Pore. 

  The Kansas City men’s soccer team will face the Stanford Cardinals at Stanford University on Sunday at 5 p.m. for the second round match. 

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