The Laramie County Community College Men's Soccer team took on Otero Junior College at Metro State University on Saturday in a Region IX semi-final. The Golden Eagles earned a 3-2 win, moving to 16-2 overall.
Sophomores Caleb Rondon and Rafael Munoz celebrated with goals en-route to guiding the Golden Eagles into the Region IX final.
Jorge Rosales put LCCC up in the 39th minute of play on an assist from Jonathan Ruvalcaba. After a pass back was called on the Rattlers, the Golden Eagles converted on an indirect free kick from 9 yards out. The Rattlers would battle back, tying the game in the 40th minute on a goal by Carter McGee. After 45 minutes of play, the Rattlers and Golden Eagles were knotted up at one.
Rondon would change things for LCCC in the 59th minute. Rosales redirected a corner kick onto Rondon who headed a shot into the back of the net. Rondon's goal marked his eighth of the season. Up 2-1, Munoz would get his 12th goal of the season as Adrian Cordova played him in behind the back line and connected for the goal, putting LCCC up in the 64th minute. Otero would cut that lead down to one as they converted on a penalty kick in the 69th minute.
The Golden Eagles controlled play throughout, out-shooting the Rattlers 21-15. Andrew Hays picked up the win, playing all 90 minutes in net.
LCCC will play Trinidad State Junior College on Sunday for the Region IX Championship. The game will be at Metro State University and play is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.
The Golden Eagles can be followed at golccc.com and on Twitter @lcccsports