(TRINIDAD, CO) – The Trinidad State men's soccer team is off to a scorching start to the 2016 season with wins over Garden City, Central Community College and Northeastern JC. The fast start has propelled the Trojans into the NJCAA and NSCAA top-20 rankings and into first place in the Region IX South standings.
The Trojans started the season on the road at Garden City in a non-region contest. After a scoreless first half the Broncbusters struck first with a goal in the 52' minute from Alexis Lopez. TSJC would tie it up about twenty minutes later when Biska Biyombo found a ball off a corner kick and drove it past the keeper. Biyombo would score the game winner six minutes later when he took a through ball from Filip Cvetinovic, outraced the defenders, before dodging the keeper and finding the net. Hector Haros had 12 saves in goal for the Trojans.
On Saturday, a fired up Trojan squad jumped out early over Central CC at Los Ninos park. Emiliano Gomez scored what would be the game winner in the fourth minute off of an assist from Biyombo. The Trojans would get goals from Filip Milivojevic, Biyombo (2), Cvetinovic (2), Khori Edmond, Jermey Klepac and another from Gomez to make it a 9-0 victory. The Trojans outshot the Raiders 32-9 in the game.
On Sunday things were much tighter, as a much-improved Northeastern team came to town fresh off of a victory in La Junta against Otero on Saturday. The Trojans spent most of the game on the attack, but Plainsmen keeper Akim Larmond made seven saves to keep the game scoreless into the 70' minute. Trinidad finally broke through when a cross from Carlos Alonso found Cvetinovic in the box. A beautiful header into the net made the score was 1-0. On the following kickoff, Biyombo stole the ball and powered past the defenders to drive a shot into the net and put the game away 2-0. Haros continued his strong leadership from the goal recording had six more saves and the defensive unit in front of him controlled the game for their second straight shutout.
"I am happy with the performance this weekend," commented Head Coach Aaron Miller. "It's always great to start the season off strong with dominant wins in the South Region IX. I believe this group has the potential to have a great season, should they continue to work hard and stay humble. I challenged the guys to improve their mental focus and not take ANY team lightly this season. Also, I would like to thank the fans who attended the first-ever Men's soccer match at Los Ninos."
The undefeated Trojans will head out on the road this coming weekend with a long trip to northern Wyoming where they will face Sheridan College on Friday and Northwest Wyoming on Saturday. The Trojans will return home on Wednesday, September 14 for a match with rival Otero.