#15 Rattlers Just a Bit Better Today

On Saturday the WWCC Mustangs squared off against the Otero Junior College Rattler in a Region IX clash.  This is the 3rd year in a row that the OJC team comes to Rock Springs ranked in the top 20 of the NJCAA polls.  This year they are currently ranked #15.  OJC was able to hold the majority of possession and shots but struggled to get through the tough WWCC Defense.  All goals for the OJC Rattlers came off of fouls called on WWCC.  The first goal was from a penalty kick in the 39th minute.  This was the second penalty kick call against the Mustangs in the first half.  Mustang keeper Mitch Jensen was able to block the first attempt, his third such block of the season.  The lone penalty kick goal gave the Rattlers a 1 - 0 half time lead despite good attempts on goal for WWCC from Richard Harris, Steven Shelley and Greg Howard.
The second half was more possession for the ranked Rattlers while the Mustangs continued to find the tying goal they could not break their opponents defense.  The only goal of the second half was again off a whistle by a ref in the 77th minute.  The call awarded OJC a free kick from about 25 yards out.  The ball was kicked with some power to the goal and was unfortunately mishandled by the keeper and found the back of the net.  The Mustang resilience was brave but did not account for a goal.  The final score was 2 - 0 in favor of the Rattlers.  The current record for the Mustangs is 6 - 4 - 0 and 2 - 2 - 0 in Region IX, good enough for 4th place.

Match Facts; Shots – WWCC 11, OJC 23; Assists – WWCC 0, OJC 0; Saves – WWCC 8, OJC 7; Free Kicks – WWCC 9, OJC 10; Corner Kicks – WWCC 5, OJC 3; Cards – WWCC 1, OJC 1

Mustang Man of the Match – Mitch Jensen - Despite one mistake Mitch played a flawless match with 8 saves including his 3rd penalty kick block of the season.

Up Next for the Mustangs – Wednesday September 26th vs Northwest College (Region IX) in Powell WY at 5:00pm.