Sewardsaints.com

Seward County's upset bid fell just short Wednesday night as the Saints dropped a 5-4 decision to sixth-ranked Barton at Redskin Field.

Seeking their first conference victory of the season, the Saints (5-5, 0-4 KJCCC) erased a two-goal deficit late in the second half to pull even at 4-4. However, the Cougars (9-1, 3-1 KJCCC) found the winner with just 50 seconds remaining to escape with the win.

The teams traded goals in the opening 10 minutes before the match settled into a defensive battle. Sean Murphy scored off an assist from Joao Dal Farra to level the score at 1-1, a tie that held through halftime. The first half featured just six combined shots.

The pace picked up dramatically after the break as the teams combined for 14 shots and seven goals.

Barton struck twice in the opening 12 minutes of the second half to build a 3-1 advantage.

Archie Young headed home a goal in the 58th minute to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Barton answered 10 minutes later when Rafael Calmon scored an unassisted goal to push the lead back to two.

Trailing 4-2 late in the match, Seward mounted a rally. Martin Dunn found the net before Dal Farra scored the equalizer in the 85th minute, igniting the crowd at Redskin Field and pulling the Saints even at 4-4.

Barton continued to apply pressure in the closing minutes and capitalized with 50 seconds remaining. Shun Imai collected the ball in front of goal and scored the game-winner to secure the victory for the Cougars.

Barton finished with a 13-7 advantage in shots and held a 9-1 edge in corner kicks.

Seward goalkeeper Nicolas Fonseca recorded six saves.

The Saints return to action Saturday when they host Dodge City at 6 p.m. at Redskin Field.