Coastal Bend College Cougars 2024 Season Recap: A Strong Campaign Leading to Nationals

Coastal Bend College Cougars 2024 Season Recap: A Strong Campaign Leading to Nationals
Posted: Nov 13, 2024

Beeville, TX -   The 2024 Coastal Bend College Cougars men's soccer team had an outstanding season, finishing with a 11-3-3 record and securing an at-large bid to the national tournament. Their campaign was marked by dominant performances, a rock-solid defense, and key individual contributions.

Key Moments

The season began with a 2-1 win over Hill College, setting the stage for an impressive run. The Cougars showcased their strength throughout the year, including a crucial 1-0 victory at Angelina College and a 2-0 home win over them later in the season. They also completed a double over Blinn College, winning 3-2 and 2-0 in two exciting matches.

The Cougars were especially strong defensively, allowing just 6 goals in conference play. A standout achievement was their 12-game unbeaten streak and a 5-game shutout streak, both of which highlighted their defensive prowess.

Playoff Success and National Recognition

The Cougars advanced to the national tournament as the #12 seed following a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final win over LSU Eunice (LSUE), demonstrating their resilience in big moments. As a result of their stellar season, the team earned national attention, ranking #3 in shutouts and #8 in goals against average.

Seven Cougars were honored with All-Region awards. Ulisse Alberti and Yahel Paramo earned First Team All-Region recognition, while Jaden McKree, Juan Valencia Vacca, and Thomas Jakobsen were named to the Second Team. Tim Teicher and Jake Mangan received Honorable Mentions.

Looking to Nationals

Now, with their strong regular season behind them, the Cougars will face Iowa Western Community College (No. 1 seed) and Harcum College (No. 8 seed) in pool play at nationals. With a solid defensive foundation and a team full of talent, the Cougars are poised to make a deep run at the national title.

Season Highlights:

  • Record: 11-3-3
  • Key Wins:
    • 1-0 win at #9 Angelina College, 2-0 at home versus #13 Angelina College
    • Conference Series Sweep over Blinn College (3-2, 2-0)
    • Conference Series Sweep over Jacksonville College (4-0, 4-0)
    • 1-0 win in semi-finals against LSUE
    • 0-0 tie on the road against #2 Tyler Junior College
  • National Rankings:
    • #3 in shutouts
    • #8 in goals against
    • #12 overall in national rankings
  • All-Region Honors: 7 players recognized, including First Team selections Ulisse Alberti and Yahel Paramo. Second Team selections Thomas Jakobsen, Jaden McKree, Juan Valencia Vaca. Tim Teicher, Jake Mangan earned Honorable Mention Honors.

With momentum on their side, the Cougars are ready to take on the nation's best at the national tournament. Coastal Bend will begin play on Sunday, November 17th at 10:00 am at Scheels Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita, KS when square off against Iowa Western Community College. The Cougars will then face Harcum College on Monday, November 18th at 10:00 am.