Western Draws in First Region Game

On Friday in Rock Springs WY the Western Wyoming Mustangs battled the Cougars from Western Nebraska in the first Region IX men's soccer match of the season. This was a very intense and closely matched soccer game between the two rivals. WWCC was first on the scoreboard when they scored in the 44th minute. The goal came from a long California throw from Taylor Ford and Erick Mata was able to push it past the keeper into the side net with the outside of his right foot. WWCC took a 1 - 0 lead into the half time break.
Western Nebraska came out strong in the second half and evened the score in the 50th minute when the had the Mustangs outnumbered on a sideline and used some good passes to get the ball past Taylor Whetman. This goal ended Taylor Whetman's scoreless streak at 280 minutes. Both teams had some decent looks and chances but both teams came up with no more goals in regulation.
In NJCAA soccer when a regulation match is tied then the teams play two (10) minute overtime periods. It is sudden victory in overtime, meaning if a team scores then the match is over. In both overtime periods the Mustangs and Cougars battled pretty evenly and neither were able to find another goal. After 110 minutes of play the score was tied at 1 goal a piece. This was a great example of how good and intense a NJCAA college soccer match could be. The draws puts the Mustangs season mark at 2 wins 1 lose and 1 tie.

Game Stats - Shots: WWCC 21, WNCC 19 - Saves: WWCC 7, WNCC 12 - Corner Kicks; WWCC 7, WNCC 1.

Up Next for the Mustangs: Saturday 9/12 vs Westminster Reserves at Crossroads Field (Rock Springs WY) at 11:00am

Work Horse of the Match: Erick Mata (spark off the bench, played lots of minutes and scored the lone goal for WWCC)