After many years of struggles in the first round of the regional soccer tournament, the Cougars finally got the monkey, or in this case, the Tigers off their backs.

The Cougars put on an offensive show Tuesday night as they defeated the Blue Valley Tigers 4-0 at the SM North District Stadium.

“Any time you can come out of the shoot with a 4-0 win it gives your boys something to ride on,” coach Todd Boren said.

Senior Dan McMullen led the Cougars attack with two of the night’s four goals. After scoring his first goal on a free kick, McMullen high-stepped his way to the sideline, filled with the intensity on a team desperate for a postseason win.

“It was all in the moment,” McMullen said.

Junior Zach Cole started things off for the Cougars with a goal in the 35th minute of the game. Senior Tyler Cindrich continued his offensive outburst with another goal. Senior Matt Cunard set the stage for Northwest with assists on three of the goals.

“The win is very big for momentum for the rest of the postseason,” Boren said.

After the win, the Cougars rushed to the crowd to celebrate. No player on the team had ever won a game this far into the season.

The Cougars improved their record to 10-4-3.

“The old saying is to be the best,” Boren said, “you have to beat the best.”