The Western Nebraska Community College women's soccer team did everything they needed to come away with a win or tie Saturday afternoon against Trinidad State Junior College.
And the Region IX match between the Cougars and Trojans seemed if was going to end in a tie. That was until Trinidad's Alejandra Mendez took a shot from the corner and put it in the upper corner for the match winner, 2-1
Janalynn McKay, who scored The Cougars only goal in the first half, said it is a tough loss, but one that they did play well.
"It definitely is a tough loss," the sophomore from Logan, Utah said. "We played really good as a team and are starting to come together as one and that is good to see us improve in our game."
WNCC is battling injuries right know and with a depleted roster, the Cougars stayed toe-to-toe with the Trojans. McKay said no matter who is out there, they are going to give it their all.
"I think one thing on this team is we have a lot of heart. We are going to go out and do our best even though we don't have very many numbers. We are going to really do our best when we are out there."
WNCC netted the first goal of the game as McKay took about a 25-foot shot with 15:58 to play in the first half and put it in the back of the net. McKay's goal sparked the Cougars in the first half as they had a number of shots that were just off long.
"The first goal we got was really good. Eden really opened it up for me and I couldn't have done it without her. Then, as a team, we really realized that we could do this.
The big key in the game, though, came a little before McKay's goal. Eden Washington went streaking down the sideline and as she neared the box, she took a shot while also coming in contact with a defender. The ball went into the net. But, while the play looked clean, the goal was waved off because of a foul.
WNCC went into intermission leading 1-0.
Trinidad controlled much of the play in the second half but the Trojans could only muster one score because of a Cougar defense that was playing their hearts out. Trinidad's lone regulation score came in the 21st minute as Thais Dos Santos scored off an assist from Amber Pinon. Neither scored again to force overtime.
The first overtime saw both teams get a couple chances, but no goals. The second 10-minute period saw WNCC's Eden Washington make some moves but couldn't score while Trinidad had a near miss with just over three minutes left.
As time was winding down, that was when Trinidad scored as Mendez took a pass from Sofia Rivero and scored the match winner with 19 seconds to play.
Trinidad had 29 shots of with 15 were on goal. WNCC managed 14 shots with five on goal.
WNCC's Allison Parker had 10 saves in net.
McKay said this team cam take a lot from this game as they hit the road next weekend when they travel to face Sheridan College and Northwest College.
"I think the key is for us to really work hard and keep the work rate up the entire game and try to come out on top," McKay said.