Coming off its first loss of the season, the Barton men’s soccer team was not going to allow a losing streak to occur.
The Cougars bounced back Sunday afternoon at Cougar Field with a 2-1 win over Northern Oklahoma Tonkawa.
The win improved Barton to 4-1 on the season. Tonkawa is now 2-2.
Barton scored in each half and built a 2-0 before holding on for the win.
Ezra Armstrong scored both goals for Barton - the first two of his collegiate career for the Overland Park freshman.
Armstrong gave Barton a 1-0 lead in the closing minutes of the first half. Julio Vicente crossed the ball to Sora Wakabayashi who one-touched it to Armstrong. Armstrong had slipped behind the defense and converted the pass into a goal with 3:57 to play in the half.
Barton’s lead grew to 2-0 when Armstrong scored on a great pass from Salina sophomore Jose Escobedo. Escobedo sent a cross to a leaping Armstrong who found the net for a 2-0 lead with just less than 15 minutes to play.
The 2-goal lead wouldn’t last long.
The Cougars were called for a penalty in the box with 10:21 to play, giving the Mavericks a penalty kick.
Rojay Smith converted, trimming the lead to a single goal.
Barton wasn’t fazed though, holding the Mavericks scoreless the rest of the way.
The Cougars will be back in action Thursday night as they open Jayhawk West play in Dodge City.
The Conquistadors are 2-0-2 on the season. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m..

Barton 2, Tonkawa 1
State Fair 0 1 – 1
Barton 1 1 – 2
Scoring summary
Barton - Ezra Armstrong (Julio Vicente, Sora Wakabayashi), 41:03
Barton - Armstrong (Jose Escobedo), 75:45
Tonkawa- Rojay Smith (penalty kick), 79:39