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On Sunday in Cheyenne the WWCC Mustangs faced the Northwest College Trappers in the 2012 Region IX Championship. The Mustangs took very little time to get on the board as they scored in the 3rd minute. The early goal was scored by Taylor Egbert who received the ball from a Trapper's player failed clear and volleyed it into the top right corner of the net. The Mustangs continued to play well throughout the half with the lead. About 30 minutes into the match the tide of the match and the possession changed for the Trappers. The Mustangs were whistled for a penalty kick, however the Trapper player's attempt was denied by the freshman phenom at keeper Mitch Jensen. This PK save will prove to be quite important. The Trappers continued to pressure the back line and found a crease in the 41st minute and just lifted the ball past Mitch Jensen for a tying goal. The halftime score was 1 goal for each squad.
The second half saw the Mustangs try to control the ball and the possession while the Trappers looked for the quick counter attack and fast break. Good chances were had by both squads but most chance from the Trappers were thwarted by the Mustang defense and Mitch Jensen usually before it could amount to much. The match winning goal happened in the 81st minute when Taylor Egbert took the ball to the wide corner of the field and was fouled on the edge of the 18 yard box about 6 yards from the end-line. Jared Jess took the free kick which was lifted past the wall and through several Mustangs and Trappers feet. The ball dropped right to the feet on Jarom Stuart who hit it to the back of the net for a 2 - 1 advantage in the Championship match. There were still 9 minutes left and lots of drama. Both Jarom Stuart and Brandon Bushman had great chances to put away the match but were saved by the Northwest keeper. Jared Jess had to also clear the ball off of the defensive goal line after a Northwest free kick found its way heading into the net. But at the end of 90 minutes the Mustangs were ahead on the scoreboard and are crowned as the 2012 Region IX Men's Soccer Champions. This is the first Region IX title for the WWCC Men's soccer team. The team's overall record is now 13 - 8 - 1. Being the Region IX champs means that the West Distict Tournament will be played in Rock Springs on Friday November 2nd and Saturday November 3rd. If WWCC wins on Friday against NIC in Rock Springs they will qualify for the national NJCAA tournament November 12 - 17 in Georgia.Match Facts; Shots – WWCC 12, NWC 13; Assists – WWCC 1, NWC 0; Saves – WWCC 9, NWC 4; Free Kicks – WWCC 15, NWC 13; Corner Kicks – WWCC 4, NWC 4; Cards – WWCC 1, NWC 0
Mustang Man of the Match – Mitch Jensen - Mitch had 9 crucial saves in the match including a block on a penalty kick in the 1st half.
Up Next for the Mustangs –Friday November 2nd vs North Idaho College (West Districts Semi-Finals) in Rock Springs WY at Rock Springs Junior High at 2:30pm
