LAREDO END BLINN’S INAUGURAL SOCCER SEASON; JARA HONORED

Laredo eliminates Blinn from the Region XIV tournament

Omar Quintana leads Blinn’s offense with goal 

LAREDO, Texas — Blinn College men’s soccer was eliminated from the NJCAA Region XIV Men’s Soccer Championship Tournament after Laredo Community College defeated the Buccaneers, 9-1, on Wednesday at the Laredo College South Complex.

“I am proud of how the team represented Blinn College as an institution and our first-year men’s soccer program,” said Jorden Smith, Blinn head coach. “To make it to the playoffs in our first season as a program shows the hard work and dedication that our players put in, so they should all be extremely proud.”

Omar Quintana scored Blinn’s lone goal and was assisted by Carlos Gonzalez. Josh Frias led Blinn on defense with 10 saves, while Erasto Cardenas recorded four saves.

Laredo took a 5-0 lead in the first half after scoring in the seventh, 16th, 39th, 43rd and 44th minutes. The Palominos extended their lead to 7-0 by scoring in the 57th and 61st minutes before Blinn got on the board.

Blinn scored in the 81st minute after Quintana headed in the ball after receiving a cross from Gonzalez.

The Palominos shot their final two goals in the 84th and 89th minutes.

The Buccaneers finished the season with a 6-11 record.

Bucs' David Jara named NJCAA Player of the Week

Jara recorded three goals and one assist while leading Blinn to two wins to clinch a playoff spot

Freshman midfielder David Jara was named NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Player of the Week for his performance in Week 8 of the 2018 season.

Jara recorded three goals and one assist this week while leading the Buccaneers to wins over Jacksonville College and Angelina College that helped clinch a playoff spot.

“I am really excited to be named the player of the week and be the first player to receive the honor in the Blinn men’s soccer program’s history,” Jara said. “Our goal was to make the playoffs as a first-year program and so we never gave up this week. This is a big deal and really motivating for me going into today’s game.”

To clinch a playoff spot, the Buccaneers had to win their final two games of the season. Jara led the offense with two goals for Blinn to take a 5-0 victory over Jacksonville, while recording an assist in Blinn’s 2-1 overtime victory against Angelina.

“I am excited for him and proud of how he represented Blinn College and our men’s soccer program this week,” said Jorden Smith, Blinn head coach. “We knew this was our final week to clinch a playoff spot and Jara took the initiative and put the team on his back, so I couldn’t be more proud.”

Jara leads Blinn’s offense this season with six goals and five assists. In addition, Jara became the first men’s soccer player in the Region XIV Conference to be named player of the week this season.

Jara is the second Buccaneer to earn player of the week honors this season. Shelby Sheets was named NJCAA Division I Volleyball Tachikara Offensive Player of the Week for her performance in Week 5.

Blinn finished the regular season 6-10 overall with a 5-9 conference record. The Buccaneers face Laredo Community College in the Region XIV semifinals at 3:30 p.m. today at the Laredo College South Complex.

For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com

(COURTESY: Tara Dreyer, Blinn Information)