Coach Kewley discusses 2-0 win in Tonkawa

Coach Kewley discusses 2-0 win in Tonkawa

TONKAWA, Okla.- In the midst of a six-match winless streak, a run of games that included only three goals for the Beavers' attack, Coach Kewley deemed it necessary to make some changes.

Those changes paid immediate dividends, as Pratt (2-7-1) was able to snag its second win of the season over Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa in a 2-0 victory. Coach Kewley discussed how he tinkered with his lineup, which included playing a defender in an irregular role.

"We moved a couple of guys into different positions," Kewley said. "I played Keenan (Kropp) and Kade (Kropp) up front, two big guys. Brad (Huslig) started in the back and the back four looked great."

With a conference game against Hesston College on the docket for Wednesday night, Kewley had a plan to infuse the Monday rotation with as many bodies as possible. With rest on his mind, Kewley walked away impressed with how the collective group contributed to the winning effort.

"It was very hot and humid, so we kept on making changes," he said. "The good thing was that the guys who did go on did the job. We didn't have a drop in standard. I told them when they go in, they have to make a difference. It was pleasing to see them maintain that standard and that's all I ask of them."

After a scoreless first-half, the Kropp brothers connected for the opening score, with Kade playing a terrific pass into the middle.

"He had good vision to see his brother," Kewley said with a laugh. "Keenan was screaming at him for the ball, and he finished it first time. It was nice to see that because we hadn't had a solid finish like that."

Not long after, Nadir Cano-Lorente received a throw-in from the right side of the field, created space for himself, and fed Joe Brett for the second score.

Kewley was quick to mention how the vast skillset of Kade Kropp allowed him to not only play him towards the top of the Beavers formation, but how the emergence of others allowed for Kewley to believe in such a change.

"The good thing about Kade is his versatility," Kewley said. "He can play up front or he can play in the back. The fact that Brad (Huslig) did such a good job in the back allowed me the chance to leave Kade up front."

The Beavers were long in search of a win, and Kewley understands how important it will be to carry that feeling into a pivotal conference game tomorrow. Considering where Pratt's start has left it, Kewley is looking for any added benefit in order for his team to squeeze into postseason play.

"We have to win this game because it's a conference game. Last year we were in exactly the same situation. We had to beat Northwest Tech and then Garden (City), and we did to finish fourth. We have to do that again this year. It's going to be tough."