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On Tuesday in Rock Spring s the WWCC Mustangs hosted their first Region IX match of the season. Northwest College came into Rock Springs leading the region. It was a classic NJCAA Region IX match. It was played at a great pace the entire match and the first ten to fifteen minutes were played at the highest pace seen so far this year. The Trappers were first on the board when they snuck a pass between the WWCC defense and were able to draw the Mustang keeper out to try to block the kick and beat him and scored. The first goal was scored in the 4th minute. The Mustangs kept their heads and their cool and continued to execute their game plan and where able to get on the scoreboard when Braxton Hamilton found Nathaniel Sellis making a deep run from midfield through the Northwest defense. Nathaniel was able to beat the keeper and tie the match in the 18th minute. The teams exchanged chances throughout most of the first half until Miguel Maca was fouled in the 44th minute in the penalty box and was awarded a penalty kick. Miguel Maca stepped up to the shot and gave WWCC the lead at the half at 2 - 1.The second half started quickly again and Northwest found the equalizer in the 47th minute off of a penalty kick. The remaining 43 minutes of the second half were very entertaining with Northwest taking a lot of shot, mainly from distance, and WWCC counter attacking very well. There was a great chance for WWCC to get the win in the 87th minute when Miguel Maca and Gilbert Gonzalez worked together to beat the keeper but they could not link up to find the ability to put the ball into the net. The match ended regulation time tied 2 - 2.
In NJCAA soccer the teams play two ten (10) minute halves, however it is sudden victory which means if a goal is scored the match is over. Both teams again played enjoyable soccer to watch but neither could make the last pass, or were denied by the goal keepers to get the game winning goal. The result of the match is a draw at 2 goals a piece.
Game Stats - Shots; WWCC 19, NWC 30 - Assists; WWCC 1, NWC 1 - Cards; WWCC 2, NWC 5 - Free Kicks; WWCC 9, NWC 8 - Keeper Saves; WWCC 13, NWC 9 - Corner Kicks; WWCC 5, NWC 10
Workhorse of the Match - Braxton Hamilton, for the assist on the first goal and leaving everything he had on the pitch.
Up Next for the Mustangs - Saturday, September 10th at Idaho State in Pocatello ID at 12:00pm