OTTUMWA — There is still a lot left on the table for the Ottumwa boys soccer squad.

Ottumwa’s CIML Metro title hopes took a hit on Thursday at Wertheim Field. Des Moines Roosevelt (4-5, 2-1) stormed back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to down Jeff Ebling’s Bulldogs by a score of 4-1.

Ottumwa (5-9) suffered its first league loss of the season and fell to 2-1 in the Metro.

“We’re not out of it by any stretch. We’ve got a lot left to play for,” said Ebling.

Lubos Kubik netted a hat trick and gave the Roughriders the lead for good with his first goal in the 55th minute. His goals all came in the span of a six-minute stretch.

Roosevelt’s scoring started with a goal from Ahmed Ali five minutes into the second half.

Ebling feels the Bulldogs’ conditioning needs to improve.

“The second half was a different story. Our conditioning is not where it needs to be,” said Ebling, in his first year as head coach at Ottumwa.

Ottumwa struck first in the fourth minute. Ceasar Botello netted the lone goal for Ottumwa on an assist from Angelo Kelly.

Ottumwa mustered six shots on goal – two by Botello and two by Stefan Kotulla. Bulldog keeper Kevin Gonzalez managed 12 saves.

“In the first half we had a lot of energy, came out and played really well,” said Ebling. “Our midfield just had trouble getting back on the backside and we had some mental errors. It’s something we can correct and I think the guys want to.”

Ottumwa hosts Indianola Monday and plays at Des Moines Hoover Thursday.



Des Moines Roosevelt 4, Ottumwa 1

DMR         0    4    —    4

OTT         1    0    —    1

Scoring Summary

Ottumwa — Ceasar Botello goal (Angelo Kelly assist) 3:44

Des Moines Roosevelt – Ahmed Ali goal 45:00

Des Moines Roosevelt – Lubos Kubik goal 54:00

Des Moines Roosevelt — Kubik goal 57:00

Des Moines Roosevelt — Kubik goal 60:00

Ottumwa: Total Shots — 6 (Botello 2, Stefan Kotulla 2, Kelly, Denny Guido). Total Saves — Kevin Gonzalez 12