#12 BLINN MEN’S SOCCER BEATS #17 ANGELINA 2-0

Story by Joe Alberico, Blinn College Sports Information

A pair of goals from Alan Kocmoud Navarro and stout defense from the 12th-ranked Blinn College men’s soccer team sent the Buccaneers past No. 17 Angelina College 2-0 on Friday at Rankin Field in Brenham, Texas.

The Region 14 triumph pushed Blinn’s winning streak to five – all region matches – as the Bucs improved to 10-2-1 overall and 8-2 in region play. Blinn also avenged a 2-0 road loss to Angelina on Sept. 16.

Blinn head coach Michael McBride said he was thoroughly impressed with a team-wide effort that in the end strengthened the Bucs’ hold on the region’s South division. 

"The chemistry and collective buy-in on this team is just phenomenal,” McBride explained. “They have each other's backs completely; they play with a level of selflessness you rarely see; and honestly, that's the best part of coaching them. I count myself lucky to be one of their coaches, especially on nights like this.”

Blinn would get all of the offense it needed Friday when the Bucs executed on a perfect cross play. After sophomore defender Alek Melo sent the initial pass into the Roadrunner box, sophomore forward Amir Simpson flicked a quick pass to Kocmoud Navarro to the far side, where the sophomore forward sent a quick shot past the diving Angelina goalkeeper.

In the 82nd minute, Kocmoud Navarro put the finishing touches on the victory when a throw-in got another impressive play started in the Roadrunners’ final third. After freshman forward Shefe Odojukan headed the thrown ball to sophomore midfielder Sam Sebagabo, Sebagabo attempted a shot which was deflected toward Simpson. Simpson reacted quickly with a header to Kocmoud Navarro, who toe-tapped a shot past the goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead. Sebagabo and Simpson were awarded assists on the play.

​​“For all our collective endeavor, it’s goals that win games,” McBride said. “Alan’s brace (two goals) got us over the line this evening. I’m really pleased for him and, of course, the team.”

The Bucs out-shot the Roadrunners 17-5 and earned a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Freshman goalkeeper Samir Bristol was the beneficiary of strong defensive play as the Bucs prevented Angelina from recording any shots on goal. Bristol earned the win in his third collegiate start and improved to 3-0 on the year.

Up next, Blinn takes a break from region competition when it visits Hill College at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Fort Worth, Texas.