STERLING, Colo. – The Western Nebraska Community College men's and women's soccer teams split Region IX matches with Northeastern Junior College Friday afternoon in Sterling, Colorado.

                The Cougar women scored two first-half goals and then continued to play tough defense in the second half to register a 2-0 win over NJC, who are in their first year of playing.

                The Cougar men were on the opposite end. After scoring a first-half goal, the Plainsmen scored two second half goals to claim the 2-1 win.

                The women's soccer team scored both their goals within five minutes of each other. Juliana Stratford netted the first goal in the 13^th minute off an assist from Eden Washington. Six minutes later, Janalynn McKay scored an unassisted goal for the 2-0 halftime lead.

                The second half saw the women's team play tight defense in recording its first shutout of the year.

                The men were victims of bad luck. WNCC took a 1-0 lead at halftime after Guilherme Oliveria scored off a rebound off the goal post from a free kick from JP Santos.

                The second half belonged to NJC for scoring goals. The Plainsmen netted its first goal in the 65^th minute on a header off a free kick. NJC took the lead in the 88^th minute for the lead.

                The Cougar men, 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in Region IX play, will look to get back on track Saturday when they travel to Columbus to face Central Community College-Columbus.

                The WNCC women, 1-1-1 in Region IX play and 2-1-2 overall, will be back in action next Friday and Saturday when they host Sheridan College and Northwest College in a women's and men's doubleheader.