OWENSBORO, KY — The Owensboro Devils opened regional play Saturday night with a 5-0 shutout of Muhlenberg County at Reid Stadium, getting two goals each from Peter Mbayo and Filip Smekal to advance their postseason run.

Ranked No. 3 in Kentucky, Owensboro entered the regional matchup with a 20-1-1 record and delivered goals in both halves to secure the win.

Japheti Bavento opened the scoring in the first half, finishing a pass from Smekal with 36:11 remaining on the clock. The Devils added a second goal when Bavento found the net off an assist from Avidael Diaz Mazariegos with 25:00 left before halftime.

Owensboro continued its attack after the break. Musa Iddi set up Mbayo for the third goal with 34:28 remaining, and Bavento assisted Smekal’s second goal of the night with 23:19 left to push the lead to 4-0.

Mbayo added his second goal with 8:57 remaining, finishing another assist from Iddi to complete the scoring and seal the 5-0 result.

The Devils kept pressure on Muhlenberg County throughout the match, recording 17 shots on goal in the first half and 21 in the second for 38 total. Owensboro also earned six corner kicks.

Smekal and Mbayo each finished with two goals. Bavento contributed one goal and two assists, while Iddi recorded two assists and Diaz Mazariegos added one.

With the regional opener behind them, Owensboro turns its attention to its next match against Meade County on Tuesday.

SNAPSHOT

FINAL
Owensboro 5, Muhlenberg County 0

OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL
Peter Mbayo: 2 goals
Filip Smekal: 2 goals
Japheti Bavento: 1 goal, 2 assists
Musa Iddi: 2 assists
Avidael Diaz Mazariegos: 1 assist

NEXT UP
Owensboro at Meade County
Tuesday, October 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Deer Park Elementary Field