NIC Down, Mustangs are Georgia Bound!!

On Friday in Rock Spring in the semi-final of the West District Tournament the Western Wyoming Mustangs defeated the North Idaho Cardinals for a berth in the West District Finals and qualify for the NJCAA National Tournament in Albany Georgia from November 12 through November 17th.  The Mustangs dominated the first half and kept the pressure on the Cardinal back line.  The scoring was started when Jarom Stuart flicked a ball to the on rushing Greg Howard who blasted an angled shot past the NIC keeper and into the net.  The second Mustang goal was scored by Jarom Stuart who put pressure on the NIC keeper and was able to corral a loose ball and easily put it away for a 2 - 0 Mustang lead.  The final goal of the first half was a rebound put back by Greg Howard.  The initial shot was taken by Taylor Egbert, his shot made the keeper make a diving save.  The keeper was only able to get a touch on the ball, Greg Howard had crashed the goal and put the rebound high and away from the keeper.  The Mustangs took a huge 3 - 0 lead into intermission.
The second half the Cardinals played much better especially in the possession category as the Mustangs tried to withstand and absorb their pressure and hang on for the win.  The Mustangs had some nice chances but all were a little wide of the net or saved by the NIC keeper.  North Idaho scored on one of their chances to pull to within 3 - 1.  But the defense of the Mustangs; Nate Cutler, Adrian Sanchez, Logan Anderson, Cody Nice and Keeper Mitch Jensen made sure that no more goals were to be had by the Cardinals.  The Mustangs held on for a 3 - 1 win.  This win moves the Mustang's record to 14 wins, 8 losses and 1 tie.  It also moves them into the West District Finals (another first for the Mustangs) against Region IX foe Northwest College.  It also qualifies the Mustangs for their first ever NJCAA National Tournament, where only 12 teams in the nation qualify.

Match Facts; Shots – WWCC ?, NIC ?; Assists – WWCC 2, NIC 1; Saves – WWCC ?, NIC ?; Free Kicks – WWCC ?, NIC ?; Corner Kicks – WWCC ?, NIC ?; Cards – WWCC 0, NIC ?

Mustang Man of the Match – Greg Howard - Like most great forwards Greg was able to be in the right place at the right time and finish his chances. Greg had 2 goals in the match.

Up Next for the Mustangs –Saturday November 3rd vs Northwest College  (West Districts Finals) in Rock Springs WY at Rock Springs Junior High at 1:00pm