The Blinn College men’s soccer team earned a decisive Saturday victory over one of NJCAA Division III’s top programs.
The Buccaneers scored four consecutive goals en route to a 4-1 win over Dallas College Cedar Valley in Lancaster, Texas.
Cedar Valley was ranked eighth in the latest NJCAA Division III poll.
“We displayed great energy and we worked hard,” Blinn head coach Michael McBride said. “We managed to battle through some adversity and get out of there with a win.”
Before the Bucs could earn their third victory of the season, they were forced to endure a lengthy weather delay caused by unrelenting heat.
Once the temperatures returned to playable levels, it was Blinn who brought the heat.
(Pictured: Blinn College freshman Diego Ramos)
The Bucs recorded the match’s first goal in the 10th minute of play when freshman midfielder Diego Ramos gathered a give from sophomores Alvaro Heredia-Garcia (forward) and Toby Lansdowne (midfielder) and scored. Late in the first half, sophomore defender Brandon Gasca netted a feed from freshman midfielder Mathew Williams.
In the second half, Ramos scored again – this time in the 61st minute – with the help of Lansdowne and sophomore defender Flynn Toon. In quick fashion, Heredia-Garcia made it 4-0 on an unassisted goal just 26 seconds after Ramos’ tally.
Cedar Valley broke up the shutout with a goal in the 75th minute.
Blinn’s five assists pushed its season total to 21, tied for most in NJCAA Division I with Casper College.
Freshman goalkeeper Noah LeMaster recorded five saves.
The Bucs finished with 19 shots and 11 on goal, while Cedar Valley totaled 10 shots and six on goal. Blinn also owned a 10-4 edge in corner kicks.
The Bucs resume play with a home bout against the MLS Next Capital City Soccer Club at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Rankin Field inside Hohlt Park in Brenham, Texas.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 44 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
