The Western Nebraska Community College women's soccer team played tough but all No. 4 Laramie County Community College was one goal in topping the Cougars 1-0 Friday afternoon at the Landers Soccer Complex.
Sophomore Rafaela Passos said they played with plenty of heart, just had one break go against them.
"The first half was tough because we had to defend all the pressure they brought, and we did not create much changes offensively," she said. "Unfortunately, they found a goal with 20 seconds left to end the first half."
LCCC dictated the pace in the opening 45 minutes, outshooting the Cougars 14-1. WNCC's only shot in the first half came after Destiny Mueller stole the ball and went just wide of the net. After that, the Cougar defense was playing well, thwarting many Golden Eagle shots.
With time running out in the opening half, LCCC finally netted a goal with 19 seconds to play Abree Hill recorded an assist to Lauren Amerena, who was standing in the right place at the right time to get the goal.
The second half was a different story for the Cougars as they picked up the offense while the defense continued to play tough. Unfortunately, the Cougars didn't register a goal despite several close calls.
"We picked it up in the second half and created a lot of chances, but couldn't put one in the back of the net," Passos said. "It was a great game and we hope to play them again in the tournament."
WNCC had four good chances in the second half to get the tying goal. Mueller had a good shot on goal with 36 minutes left. Mueller also had another chance with 24 minutes that sailed away from the net in the gusty winds.
Rafaelle Ornelas had a long shot at net that just went high with 32 minutes to play. The closest to the goal came from the foot of Litzi Delarosa, who booted a shot from around 25-feet out and the LCCC goalkeeper reached behind her to get the ball just inches before it crossed the goal line.
LCCC outshot the Cougars 17-5 in the contest. The Golden Eagles also had 10 corner kicks to WNCC's one.
WNCC goalkeeper Laramie Lake had nine saves in net.
WNCC will look to get back on the winning track when they host Western Wyoming Community College Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Landers Soccer Complex.