BLINN MEN’S SOCCER SHUTS OUT WESTERN TEXAS 2-0
Story by Joe Alberico, Blinn College Sports Information
(buccaneersports.com)
Blinn College men's soccer used two impressive goals and a strong outing from goalkeeper Noah LeMaster to secure a 2-0 non-region road shutout of Western Texas College on Sunday in Snyder, Texas.
The victory pushed the Buccaneers to 2-0 overall for the first time since 2022 and fourth time since the program's 2018 launch.
"It was a scrappy game that needed a scrappy performance," Blinn head coach Michael McBride said. "We have to earn the right to play by winning our battles first. It's not pretty but oftentimes it can be effective. Coming away with a clean sheet was the highlight of the day."
Less than 72 hours after opening the season with a 7-3 home victory over Hill College, the Buccaneers had a harder time generating offense against the Westerners but ultimately found their footing in the second half.
(buccaneersports.com)
Following 45 scoreless minutes, which included three saves from LeMaster, Blinn broke through on a pair of slick assists and a perfect finish.
In the 48th minute, a cross from the far-left side of the box from sophomore forward Kayde Gielinck was redirected by the foot of sophomore forward Fernando Arroyo, and sophomore midfielder Nawfal Hadj-Hamou gathered and finished on a shot right in front of the net.
In the 85th minute, Hadj-Hamou played the ball wide to freshman midfielder Jorge Patino, who delivered to Gielinck for the finishing touch at the back-right post to cap the scoring.
(buccaneersports.com)
The four assists Sunday gave the Bucs 16 on the season, which leads NJCAA Division I. Blinn also has 34 total points (two for goals scored and one for each assist), which is also best in the nation.
The Westerners out-shot the Bucs 13-9, while both teams tallied six corner kicks.
LeMaster did his part in the second half with five saves and finished with eight for the match. He is now 2-0 this fall. The shutout was the ninth of LeMaster's Blinn career.
Up next, the Bucs get a big test in the form of fifth-ranked Region XIV rival Tyler Junior College at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Rankin Field in Brenham, Texas.