The Western Nebraska Community College and Otero Junior College men's soccer teams braved the rainy and cold conditions at the Landers Soccer Complex Saturday afternoon, but it was the Rattlers that excelled the most in posting a 3-1 conference victory.
WNCC coach Todd Rasnic didn't blame the weather conditions on the team's performance considering both teams had to endure the elements.
"The weather conditions don't matter because both teams are under the same weather conditions," he said. "The other team performed technically well on the field, and finished two goals out of the air. Quite honestly, it is not acceptable of the way we played today."
The contest, which started 90 minutes later because of a late arriving Otero team, saw both teams trying to figure out the elements in the first half.
The first 45 minutes turned out to be a defensive battle as each team was fighting the cold rain and wind. The Rattlers, however, snuck a goal in with under 30 seconds to play as Cantu Palombo scored off an assist from Noe Rios for the 1-0 lead.
The Rattlers went up 2-0 just 11 minutes into the second half as Carlos Rea scored after going one-on-one with Cougar goalkeeper Jesus Alvarado. Otero made it 3-0 with another goal in the 30th minute as Palombo scored his second goal.
The Cougars had a number of chances in between the Rattlers' goals, but misfired on a number of chances. WNCC finally got on the scoreboard in the 86th minute as Erwin Sanchez scored after taking a pass from Mason Nab.
Finishing was a big key for the Cougars. Both teams, despite the horizontal rain, combined for 42 shots. Otero finished with 22 shots compared to 20 for the Cougars. The difference was Otero made their shots.
Rasnic said that the game came down to his team not finishing their opportunities.
"We played well enough to win the game, but we just didn't finish our opportunities and we gave up two goals that should have never been in the back of our net," he said. "The team has the ability to come together completely by playoffs and finish strong for the season, but we just need to put things together in all areas of the field. We just can't have the defense have a good game, the midfield have a good game, or the forwards. They will have to put it together at the same time. The season is running out."
Joey Rasnic and Jesus Alvarado shared time in net, each collecting eight saves. Rasnic gave up one goal, while Alvarado gave up two goals.
The loss drops the Cougars to 2-7 in conference play and 6-8-1 overall. Otero moves to 6-1-1 in conference and 10-2-2 overall. WNCC will look to get back on the winning track on Saturday when they host Western Wyoming Community College at 2 p.m. in the team's final regular season contest. The Cougar women will also host Western Wyoming beginning at 11 a.m.
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