WNCC soccer teams defeat Independence Community College

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s soccer teams survived tough playing conditions to claim two wins over Independence Community College Saturday afternoon on the road.

The Cougar men claimed a 2-0 win over the Pirates, while the Cougar women claimed a 3-1 win.

WNCC coach Todd Rasnic said he is proud of his team in getting the wins on playing on a field that was hard to organize a game plan.

“We played on a field that was the worst we have played on. It was hard ground and it was like playing on concrete,” he said. “Both teams had a hard time organizing a game plan. When the ball hit the ground, the ball bounced up like a dribble in basketball.”

Through the adverse playing conditions, Rasnic said his team played well to tune up for today’s contest against Coffeyville Community College – a team that will give his squad a test.

“They did great today especially since it was tough to play on that surface,” Rasnic said. “They persevered in a tough place to play. We played strong and used a lot of players to get ready for [Coffeyville].”

The Cougar men dominated play against the 3-9 Pirate team. WNCC scored first on a Renato Segalla goal 15 minutes into the game for a 1-0 halftime lead.

WNCC scored an insurance goal at the 59^th minutes as Lazzaro Torres fed Eloy Matos with a perfect pass for the score and the 2-0 win.

The Cougars only had 3 shots on goal while holding Independence to just one shot. Cezar Bazana had the only save in the game.

While the Cougar men were finding shots on goal coming at a premium, the women had a little more luck. The women outshot the 3-8 Pirate women 6-4 in earning the 3-1 victory. And, it didn’t take the Cougars long to get on the scoreboard.

In fact, just 46 seconds into the game, freshman Tamika Smith nailed a shot into the goal off an assist by Andra Ardito. WNCC added another goal with 40 minutes to play as Nancy Boyack scored off an assist by LeeAnna Paxton to give the Cougars a 2-1 halftime lead.

WNCC added an insurance goal in the second half at the 87^th minutes as Kiwi Wingert had an unassisted goal for the win.

The WNCC men and women will be in action today when they face Coffeyville Community College on the road.