BRENHAM, Texas — The Blinn College men’s soccer team topped Northeast Texas Community College, 3-1, at Rankin Field Tuesday. 

With the win, the Buccaneers improve their record to 2-0 overall and in conference play.  

“We did some very good things and some very naive things, so I think finding consistency with this team is key,” head coach Michael McBride said. “The managing of the game at the very end was excellent. In the last five minutes, the players made some really good tactical decisions which we were thrilled about.” 

On offense, Marco Del Vecchio scored one goal and recorded one assist to lead Blinn. Oliver Hebbard and Alex Ramirez each scored one goal, while Stefan Fevrier Sildor and Cesar Cabrera each recorded one assist. 

“Overall, it was a slow start, but we found a way to get some goals in and come out on top,” assistant coach Jacob Beerman said. “A lot of guys stepped in the second half that showed more energy. Diego Berlingeri was excellent tonight and communicated well with the defenders.” 

Goalkeeper Berlingeri totaled nine saves in the win. 

“Communicating with my defense and placing guys where they needed to be was key tonight,” Berlingeri said. “We kept fighting and kept the intensity going because we wanted to keep the lead. It is awesome to open the season with two wins and we want to keep the streak going.” 

Northeast Texas scored the first goal in the 15th minute to open the game with a 1-0 lead. However, Fevrier Sildor assisted Del Vecchio in scoring Blinn’s first goal to tie the game in the 23rd minute. The Buccaneers grabbed a 2-1 lead when Hebbard scored in the 31st minute following a pass from Del Vecchio. In the 37th minute, Cabrera assisted Ramirez in scoring Blinn’s final goal for the Buccaneers to take a 3-1 lead for good. 

Next, the Buccaneers will compete against Jacksonville College on Friday, April 9, at 5 p.m. at Rankin Field. The Blinn women’s soccer team will open the doubleheader against Jacksonville at 3 p.m. 

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.