Roadrunners Shock No. 8 Blinn in 2-OT Semifinal Thriller
By GARY STALLARD
AC Athletics
BRENHAM – In a moment certain to go down in Angelina College men’s soccer history, the Roadrunners on Tuesday pulled out a miraculous 1-0 win over No. 8 Blinn College in the Region XIV Tournament semifinals in Brenham.
Just five seconds away from ending the second overtime – and with the teams apparently headed for a penalty-kick shootout to determine a winner – AC’s Jhosua Jory netted a golden goal to send the ‘Runners into Friday’s tournament championship match.
Jory’s goal capped an intensely physical contest that saw both teams put together stellar defensive play. Both the Roadrunners and the Bucs combined for 20 shots, with the teams’ respective keepers accounting for 11 saves. AC keeper Hugo Herrera finished with six saves.
When the game ended in a scoreless draw after 90 minutes of regulation play, the teams battled through one overtime and all but five seconds of the second extra period.
But with the clock counting down toward penalty-kick time, AC’s Kanta Maruyama lobbed a short pass into the box for Jory, who set up his shot with a quick header before ending the match with his golden goal.
The win sets up a tournament finals match on Friday against No. 1-ranked Tyler Junior College. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Tyler JC.
The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Photo captions:
Jhosua Jory Celebration (3 pics):
Angelina College’s Jhosua Jory (17) celebrates after his golden goal helped the Roadrunners top No. 8 Blinn College 1-0 in Tuesday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament semifinal match held in Brenham. AC advances to Friday’s championship match against No. 1 Tyler Junior College in Tyler. (Gary Stallard photo AC Athletics)
Diego Ramirez:
Angelina College’s Diego Ramirez (12) battles the Blinn College goalkeeper for possession during Tuesday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament semifinal match in Brenham. The Roadrunners upset the No. 8 Bucs 1-0 in double overtime to advance to Friday’s final at No. 1 Tyler Junior College. (Angel Arevalo photo for AC Athletics)
Diego Ramirez 2:
Angelina College’s Diego Ramirez (12) draws a foul from a Blinn College defender during Tuesday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament semifinal match in Brenham. The Roadrunners upset the No. 8 Bucs 1-0 in double overtime to advance to Friday’s final at No. 1 Tyler Junior College. (Angel Arevalo photo for AC Athletics)
