The Western Nebraska Community College men's soccer team put up a fight against conference leading Casper College on Friday at the Landers Soccer Complex. In the end, after both teams had a a 30-minute weather delay, Casper's depth was too much for a Cougar team that was playing with just 11 players as the Thunderbirds claimed the 4-0 win.

                The contest was pretty even through the middle of the second half. Both teams had 12 shots in the contest. Casper struck first as Victor Hugo scored with 33:16 left in the first half for the 1-0 lead.

                WNCC kept battling strong as the Cougars scoring attempts came up short and the Thunderbirds had a 1-0 lead a halftime.

                The second half saw the Cougars battle tooth and nail with Casper and for the first part of the second half, WNCC was staying with the Thunderbirds. Things changed with 24:23 left in the contest as Devin Palepale scored to put Casper up 2-0.

                The Cougars were playing really well up until that second goal and that second goal pulled the wind out of the Cougar players. Casper added a third goal with 23:03 to play as Daniel DeArizona nailed a penalty kick for a 3-0 lead.

                The Thunderbirds made it 4-0 as Mason Dykes scored with 19:50 to play.

                Despite the score, the competition on the pitch was equal as both teams gave it their all.

                Casper had four corner kicks compared to three for WNCC.

                Luis Martinez finished with seven saves in net for the Cougars.

                It was the last regular season contest for the Cougar men. They will now open regional tournament play next weekend with an away game. Pairings will be released early next week.