Lufkin, TX — The Coastal Bend Cougars faced their second conference opponent this week, in the #9 nationally ranked, Angelina College. Although the Cougars have struggled earlier in the year with double weekly games, they were able to put it together in what was a defensive battle and sneak out of Lufkin with a 1-0 win over the Roadrunners. It was by penalty that the Cougars edged out the first and only goal of the match of the two teams. Freshman Forward Jaden McKree was fouled in the box by the Roadrunner goalkeeper, which led to Sophomore Midfielder, Yahel Paramo to put the nail in the box for the Cougars late in the second half.

The Cougars in the first half wanted a defensive mentality against the Roadrunners, by allowing possession early. In doing so, the Cougars were able to pick out opportunities for their counter attacks. Both teams defended well throughout the first half, limiting each side in shots on goals. Much like many matches the Cougars have faced this season, this one was as physical of a match with a high level of intensity brought out by the conference foes. Cougars had an opportunity late in the first half with Freshman Forward Esteban Guerrero firing a shot from 40-yards out, hitting off the crossbar and narrowly missing the goal. The first half ended with a 0-0 score.

The second half is where the Cougars began to open up their attack more, taking advantage of a less than patient Roadrunners team. An uncharacteristic mistake by the #9 team in the country, led to the Cougars being more aggressive and creating more chances on goal. Both Freshman Forward Jake Mangan and Freshman Midfielder Juan Valencia each had 1-on-1 opportunities against the Roadrunners goalkeeper, but still were not able to finish the chances. But the Cougars held their attack as they knew the field was opening up more with the Roadrunners still being out of sorts. With six minutes left in the match is when the Cougars finally had their golden opportunity as McKree was fouled by the goalkeeper, leading to Paramo to fire a penalty kick into the back of the net and take the lead of the match 1-0.

The Cougars had to hold a vicious Roadrunner attack at the end of the match, but the Cougars defense was on point all 90 minutes and finishing out with the victory and getting the monkey off of the back with winning their second game in a double game week. Both the Cougars and Roadrunners, each at 6 shots on goals. The Roadrunners led the time of possession battle, but the Cougars game plan was executed to perfection in pulling off the upset.

The Cougars will be back home at Cougar Field, on Friday, October 4th in a Region XIV match against Texas Southmost College. It will also be Sophomore Day for the CBC Footballers.