The College Voice

Media Credit: Matthew Freedman

Media Credit: Matthew Freedman

Media Credit: Matthew Freedman

Tyler Junior College Apache men's soccer team won the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 Championship Tournament. Although Mercer did not qualify for the championships, the school did host the event. The final game was played on November 22. The Apaches beat the number two Georgia Perimeter College Jaguars in a 5-3 penalty shootout, as regulation play and two overtimes had resulted in 0-0 tie.

Goalie Juan Robles led the Apaches to victory with five saves, including one in the penalty shoot-out, despite the Jaguars' disparate offensive play, out-shooting the Apaches 8-2. In an interview with the Tyler Morning Telegraph, Apache coach Steve Clements said of his sophomore goalie's play, "he had a great day," adding "Georgia Perimeter really took it to us in the first half. We were lucky to survive."

In fact, the Jaguars maintained possession of the ball through most of the game, playing largely in their offensive zone. Despite their advantage in time of possession and the ejection of Apache midfielder Harry Machacha with 8:42 remaining in the second half for a second yellow card, the Jaguars were unable to convert. Jaguar coach Marc Zagara was dismayed that his team could not capitalize on the player advantage, saying "we had good chances, we just couldn't finish it." Apaches forward Dom Dwyer was able to maintain possession of the ball in his offensive zone as the second half drew to a close, preventing the Jaguars from becoming too dangerous with the extra man.

Coach Clements credits his defense's grit and resilience with keeping the Jaguars off the scoreboard, saying "defensively we stepped up and did our job to hold them out." In the second half, the Apache defense was better organized, holding off standout Jaguar midfielder Kingsley Morgan, who volleyed a cross from the right flank in the thirty-second minute. Morgan was hassled by Apache defenders who charged him twice in the game, knocking him down.

After exchanging goals on the first four penalty kicks, Apache player Andy Brooks hit the mark, taking the score from 2-2 to 3-2. The following penalty was saved by Apache goalie Robles, who denied the draw to the Jaguars. Then the Apaches scored again, making it 4-2, but Jaguar player Davian Davis kept Georgia Perimeter's chances alive by scoring on his opportunity 4-3. Finally, it was the Apaches' freshman Martin Seiler who scored the last and winning penalty kick, clinching the championship for his team.

In celebration, Apache players jumped on the field and posed for pictures, joined in their elation by the Apaches faithful in the crowd. The Jaguars, meanwhile, looked on in disbelief, as this was their first loss decided by penalties in the national championship game in three years.

The tournament's podium also included third-place Schoolcraft College (Mich.) beating Louisburg College (N.C.) 3-1, and Yavapai College (Ariz.) and Essex County College (N.J.) playing to a 1-1 draw in a consolation game.

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