BLINN MEN’S SOCCER DROPS A HOME MATCH TO COASTAL BEND 2-1

(Story by Joe Alberico, Blinn College Sports Information)

The Blinn College men’s soccer team fell to Coastal Bend College, 2-1, in a Region 14 matchup Tuesday night at Rankin Field in Brenham, Texas.

The loss dropped the Buccaneers to 5-3-2 overall and 2-2-2 in Region 14 play.

Blinn controlled much of the flow of the match and held a 17-5 advantage in shots, including a 7-4 edge in shots on goal. The Buccaneers also held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.

“It’s a tough result to swallow after we controlled the flow of the game,” Blinn head coach Michael McBride said. “We were undone by two well-executed, long-range strikes. Soccer can be cruel when opponents capitalize on low-percentage chances from distance, but we simply need to start converting more of the chances we create.”

Coastal Bend broke the scoreless tie in the 61st minute before adding another goal in the 72nd minute to take a 2-0 lead.

Blinn continued to apply pressure late and finally broke through with six seconds remaining in regulation.

Freshman forward Vukasin Ivanovic scored his 10th goal of the season off assists from sophomore midfielder Paolo Imeneo and freshman midfielder Owen Muirhead. Ivanovic's 10 goals tie him for fifth on Blinn's all-time single-season scoring list.

With Ivanovic reaching double figures, Blinn has now had a player score at least 10 goals in five consecutive seasons.

Freshman goalkeeper Riccardo Strohhecker played the final 48:15 and made two saves while allowing both Coastal Bend goals, dropping to 0-2-0 on the season. Sophomore Samir Bristol started in goal and played the opening 41:45 without facing a shot.

The Buccaneers will return to action Friday when they host Louisiana State University-Eunice at 7:30 p.m. at Rankin Field.