Broncbusters score season-opening victory

By Mike Pilosof

Tonkawa, OK-What a start for Garden City.

Less than a week after changing coaches, the Broncbusters shook off any adversity, scoring a 2-1 win in their season opener at Northern Oklahoma Tonkawa on Saturday afternoon.

"The team was a little nervous to start out," assistant coach Hector Martinez said. "But they eventually loosened up."

Garden City took control of this match from the onset. Leonardo Marini set up Abdoulaye Agyen beautifully for a goal in the second minute of the match.

"We just continued possessing the ball, and eventually our opponent lost confidence," Martinez added.

The Broncbusters extended the lead to 2-0 in the 37^th minute when Kevin Benitez, who just rejoined the team this week, punched home a cross from Lucas Martins.

In the second half, Garden City was within reach of a shutout before Alexis Ellis pushed a ball past keeper Gabriel Melo.

"Our guys knew they would have a new opportunity to display their skills," Martinez said. "All these guys know that they have to gain a place on this team."

The Broncbusters outshot Tonkawa 16-13, and Melo had seven saves.

Garden City is back in action on Sunday, at Eastern Oklahoma State beginning at 2 p.m.