Snow College picked up two victories to finish out their opening homestand before heading on the road for the next month. The Badgers beat Colorado Northwestern Community College 1-0 Thursday and defeated Salt Lake Community College 1-0 Saturday. The Badgers are coming off a 1-0 win against Utah State University Eastern to open Scenic West Athletic Conference play.
The Badgers opened up this pair of games against CNCC. Snow College started on the offensive, putting two shots up within the first five minutes.
The Badgers didn't let off the gas as
Isaac Stanley sent the ball across the 18-yard box to
Max Mayer, who popped the ball up and out for
Carter Archuleta to slam it home on the left side of the CNCC goal in the 13th minute. It was Archuleta's first goal of the year, making the score 1-0.
In the 21st minute, Snow College was assessed a red card, leaving them to play the rest of the game a man down.
The Badgers finished the first half with nine shots, with four being on net and one scoring. The Spartans' had two shots of their own, with neither making their way on net.
Both teams came into the second half matched on the field, with neither team able to find an offensive footing. Snow College was able to create some chances in the final minutes before closing out the game and winning 1-0.
Snow College finished the game with 14 shots, six of which were on net.
Mathias Christensen finished the game with one save on the Spartans' only shot on net. The Badger defense held CNCC to four total shots.
Following the victory over CNCC, the Badgers took on the Bruins. The Badgers met SLCC in the Region 18 Championship to close out last year, winning that meeting 2-1.
The Bruins started the first half holding the majority of possessions and keeping pressure in the Badgers' zone. Both teams found shots and chances throughout the first 45, but neither was able to convert, finishing the half 0-0.
The Badgers put up five shots, with four of them being on net, compared to the Bruins' seven shots. Christensen saved one shot in the first half in the 17th minute.
In the second half, SLCC got off to a strong start, putting a pair of shots up early. Both defenses were holding strong, bending but not breaking.
Eventually, the Badgers were able to break through, scoring the lone goal of the game in the 76th minute off the foot of
Francisco Madeira with the assist from
Kade Davis. The goal was set up by a Badger throw-in to Davis, who sent the ball across the 18-yard box, allowing Madeira to be one-on-one with the goalie and poke the ball through his legs for the score.
SLCC had a couple of chances to tie the game up, and none came closer than in the 86th. The Bruins had a one-on-one header chance against Christensen, who was able to get to the corner of the goal and stop the shot from going in. The Badgers were able to hold on and close out the game, winning 1-0.
The Badgers were outshot by the Bruins 16-7, with SLCC putting four shots on net to the Badgers' five. Defensively, Christensen had four saves and recorded his third shutout in a row to open conference play.
Snow College currently sits at 5-1 and No. 9 in the NJCAA men's soccer rankings. They also sit in first place in the SWAC with a 3-0-0 conference record.
The Badgers will start a month-long road campaign beginning Thursday in Kennewick, Washington, to take on Pacific Northwest Christian College at 4:30 p.m. MDT. Snow College will then travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Saturday to take on No. 14 North Idaho College at 2:30 p.m. MDT. For video streaming and live stat information, visit snowbadgers.com.
