Beeville, TX-  The Coastal Bend College Cougars claim the South Division with a 2-0 win over Angelina College Roadrunners. The win gives the Cougars its second over their division rivals of the season, and their eighth consecutive win. There was a high sense of urgency amongst the teams in what was at stake. Both teams came out in a very physical style of play.

The Cougars were able to pick their moments to attack. Setting up a set play that went into the box to earn the first goal of the match. The physical defense didn't settle in the second half as both teams jockeyed for control, before the Cougars put the Roadrunners away late with a counterattack to take a 2-0 lead that ended up being the deciding score.

Much like many Cougars games have been during their win streak, the Cougars have brought a very physical style of play, with their high press defense strategy. And against the Roadrunners, it was no exception. Neither teams' offense was able to create a threat through the others' defense. It wasn't until midway through the 1st half, that the Cougars created their opportunity.

Freshman Jake Mangan received a long pass, and was fouled, giving the Cougars a free kick. Sophomore Yahel Paramo took the penalty kick and passed it to Jaden McKree, who's shot was blocked but bounced right to Mangan who scored first goal of the intense match. The comfort of the Cougars defense making opponents work has been the theme of the defense. The defense has become such a strength during the current win streak, as well as five consecutive clean sheets, but the stellar play of Freshman Goalkeeper, Tim Teicher. Teicher named NJCAA goalkeeper of the week previously, credits his back line working so hard to limit opposing teams' chances to score: "My back line helped me a lot! I didn't have much to do in these games because my defense was just so good. We all work together well, so that in the end we always get a good result."

In the second half, the Cougars were more on the defensive front with the Roadrunners relentlessly attacking. Starting with a penalty of delay against Teicher that gave a free kick right outside of the box. But Teicher was able to make a play on the shot and keep the Roadrunners out of the net. A stretch of three consecutive shots on goal by the Roadrunners, all of which were stopped by Teicher and the Cougars defense. The Cougars bent but didn't break as the Roadrunners controlled possession for most of the second half. But it was the Cougars who provided the final blow as Freshman Juan Valencia steals the Roadrunners pass and takes the 1-v-1 with the goalkeeper and punches it up and over, into the net and giving the Cougars the deciding goal. The Cougars continued their stellar play on defense as the countdown began and the celebration started as the final whistle blew, securing the Cougars the win and the South Division championship.

The Cougars coaching staff when asked what did winning the South championship mean for the program: "We are all really proud of this group of guys. We knew they had the talent, but they also have a lot of character and drive that it takes to win. It means a lot to us to see the hard work pay off for us and the guys as we have really pushed them to their absolute limit. When asked what are the expectations for the team heading into postseason play: "The sky's the limit for this group. They are confident and we have filled them with more. We strongly believe that this group still has more to achieve."

The Cougars will complete their regular season schedule as they travel to Brownsville, TX, on October 22nd in a Region XIV match against Texas Southmost College.