(TRINIDAD, CO) – The Trojan Men's Soccer squad secured the top spot in the Region IX South last week with an exciting 2-1, come from behind win over Otero. This past weekend the Trojans faced a pair of Region IX North teams as they get ready to head into the post season. Trinidad defeated northern Wyoming schools Northwest College and Sheridan to bring their season record to 13-3 overall.
Northwest came to town on Friday afternoon and the Trojans were able to top the Trappers 2-0. TSJC got a first half goal from Filip Milivojevic on an assist from Filip Cvetinovic in the 34th minute. Late in the second half the Trojans doubled their lead when Salvador Manriquez found Biska Biyombo alone in the box for his 18th goal of the season. Brayan Rangel stopped seven shots to secure the 2-0 shutout.
The following afternoon Sheridan stopped by Los Niño's Park. The Trojans missed a couple of good opportunities early, until Cvetinovic scored on a header from an assist by Emiliano Gomez 17 minutes in. Jermey Elmore-Klepac made a nice run to double the TSJC lead in the 26th minute. Cvetinovic completed his first-half hat trick on assists from Milivojevic in the 37th and 39th minutes. Milivojevic wrapped up the scoring on a strike late in the first half off of an assist from Erick Aguilar. Brayan Rangel again stopped seven shots to secure the shutout
"It was great to see the guys really bond and connect as a team over the past few weeks on the road," commented Head Coach Aaron Miller. "This weekend verse Northwest and Sheridan we demonstrated spirit and supported each other. This team has done good things this season. They are a fun group, made exciting plays, and have played some great matches. No matter the amount of success they had through the regular season, it all comes down to taking care of business on Saturday, and taking it one game at a time step-by-step. The following days will determine how this seasons' team is remembered in TSJC Soccer history."
The Trojans are ranked 19th in the latest NJCAA polls. They will host a first-round playoff game this Saturday against Western Nebraska. TSJC defeated the Cougars in Scottsbluff earlier this year. The winner of Saturday's contest will travel to the region's final four in Denver at the end of the month.