Friday saw the Paris Junior College men’s soccer team surrender a one-point lead to a very talented San Jacinto College. Dallas freshman Cyrus Gakuo scored off a throw-in from Prosper freshman Jordan LeClair.
“PJC played their best soccer until a minute before half time when a goal was given up, said PJC Head Soccer Coach Cossaboon, sending both teams into the half with a goal each.”
Just as PJC dominated the first half, San Jacinto College took over the second half. PJC gave up a penalty kick and scored an “own goal.”
The boys will have to regroup quickly for Tyler Junior College and Jacksonville College, next Friday and Saturday in Paris.
The PJC women had their best performance of the year against Navarro College, currently ranked ninth in the nation. The Lady Dragons battled and pressed until the very end when Navarro countered for an insurance goal to gain a 2-0 win.
“The girls improved tremendously against one of the top teams in the nation,” said Cossaboon. “Their intensity and skills rose to another level. Everyone played with the kind of attitude we need at this level. In addition, goalkeeper Yuliana Morales (sophomore from Paris) was outstanding.”
Monday saw the girls match up with Brookhaven College and they had a very good day. Freshman Telisa Jones from Houston led all scorers with three goals, earning her first hat trick at PJC. San Antonio sophomore Alyssa Guerrero added a goal, making the score 4-0. Little Elm freshman Bethel Chibesa added the final fifth goal – her first of the season. Morales gained a shutout.
Both women and men take the field against Tyler Junior College this Friday and Jacksonville College this Saturday at 2 and 4 p.m., respectively. According to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Sept. 9 poll, both TJC teams were fourth in the nation.
“Friday at 2 p.m. is PJC Soccer Fan Appreciation day at Noyes Stadium,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “We hope the community will come support our teams and watch quality soccer played.”