In order to secure its first Region XIV win of the season, the Blinn College men’s soccer team played the long game.
Freshman forward Devon Arnold scored in just the 5th minute of play, and the Buccaneers made the match’s only goal stand for the remaining 85 minutes en route to a 1-0 victory over Northeast Texas Community College on Friday in Mount Pleasant, Texas.
Arnold’s quick tally proved to be the difference with the help of a stingy effort by freshman goalkeeper Connor Vela and the Blinn defense. Vela grabbed six saves for the Bucs (3-1-2, 1-0 Region XIV).
“We were very fortunate to come away from today’s game with a win,” Blinn head coach Michael McBride said. “It took a man-of-the-match performance from Connor for it to happen. While the performance wasn’t our best, the result is still a valuable one as road wins in Region XIV are precious.”
In total, Blinn racked up 20 shots, including 12 on goal.
Arnold buried the game-winner at the 4:45 mark of the match, converting a combined assist from freshman and sophomore midfielders Charlie Goldsmith and Mathew Williams.
Region play continues for the Bucs when they welcome No. 9 Tyler Junior College to town for a 7:30 p.m. match Friday at Rankin Field in Brenham, Texas.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 49 national championships since 1987
