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As the 2nd seed out of the North the Mustangs hosted the 3rd seed out of the South the Plainsmen from Northeastern Junior College. This was the 3rd match of the year between these schools and the first two matches were very close.
The first half saw a match changing decision as a penalty was called on Western in their own box in the 18th minute. After the call an altercation erupted and the starting keeper for Western Benji Ayala and a starting forward for NJC were shown red cards. Both teams would have to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match. On the ensuing penalty kick, Kyle Mivshek blocked the PK attempt by NJC to see it richocet back to the kicker who placed the ball into the net for an early 1 to 0 NJC lead. The Mustangs would battle back with help from their attack especially; Briston Lowell, Calvin Karangwa, Ty Nielsen and Grayson Barnes. In the 34th minute a long free kick from Danny Becerra was sent into the NJC box, Calvin Karangwa headed the ball down and Grayson Barnes kicked it in to tie the match. The halftime score was 1 to 1.In the second stanza both teams found chances but either missed the opportunity or were thwarted by strong keeper play by both teams. After 90 minutes of play the score was still tied 1 to 1.
In the first overtime period not much offense was mounted by either team and so after 100 minutes of play the score was still tied 1 to 1.
In the second and last overtime period Western had a great chance when they moved the ball up the right side of the pitch and after a few square passed to bring the ball to the center Carlos Gonzalez passed to Grayson Barnes who attacked the left defender for NJC and found a window to shoot. The ball traveled at such a pace that the NJC keeper could not keep it from hitting the net. Barnes ran off of the pitch after kicking the match winner and was mobbed by his exuberant teammates. After 102 minutes the playoff match was over and Western won by the score of 2 to 1. Both goals coming from Grayson Barnes. The win helps the Mustang's record go to 9 - 8 - 2 and WWCC will next play in the Region IX semi-finals next week.
Mustang Man of the Match: Grayson Barnes for his goals on the day.
Match Facts - Shots - WWCC 12, NJC 18; Assists - WWCC 2, NJC 0; Saves - WWCC 7, NJC 5; Corner Kicks - WWCC 3, NJC 5; Free Kicks - WWCC 14, NJC 9; Cards - WWCC 2, NJC 3
Up Next for the Mustangs: Semi-final match on Saturday October 29th in Denver CO (Metro State Field) vs Trinidad State JC and Western NE CC winner.
