Headed to the Finals

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's Hugo Herrera notched six saves in the net. 

            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.