Second-half goals by freshman Phillip Arceneaux and sophomore Joe Loughnane helped the Blinn College men's soccer team to a 3-2 season-opening victory over the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain on Thursday in Mena, Ark.
Thursday's victory was the Buccaneers' fourth consecutive win to open a season. Since the program launched in 2018, Blinn is 5-1 on opening day.
"I think getting that first win is critical for confidence and it takes pressure off your team," fifth-year head coach Michael McBride said. "It was a good performance. I'm a bit disappointed that we conceded two goals, but any win on the road is important."
Loughnane, a forward, scored twice for the Bucs, first finding the net in the fifth minute of play (assisted by freshman Diego Ramos and sophomore David Garcia) to give the Bucs a 1-0 edge. In the second half, Arceneaux, also a forward, made it 2-0 in the 66th minute on assists from freshmen Pascal Pfeifer and Cesar Duran.
Rich Mountain cut into Blinn's lead in the 79th minute, but a corner kick from Ramos was collected by sophomore Flynn Toon, who distributed it to Loughnane for a 3-1 advantage in minute 88.
Thursday proved to be a bit of a breakout for Loughnane, who totaled two goals in 21 games played in 2022.
(Pictured: Blinn College sophomore forward Joe Loughnane)
"We scored three completely different ways, which was fantastic," McBride added. "From an attacking standpoint, I was pretty pleased. Defensively, we just have to do better and manage the game a bit better when we have a two-goal cushion."
Rich Mountain made it 3-2 in the 90th minute after scoring off a rebound of a saved penalty kick.
Blinn outshot Rich Mountain 16-7 and held an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks.Â
Freshman Buccaneer goalkeeper Noah LeMaster had two saves.Â
Blinn continues its season with a road trip to Hill College set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19.
"We went away last year for a four-day trip and we're doing it again this year," McBride explained. "We're really testing the boys because we have a lot to learn and improve on, and it's difficult to win on the road."
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 44 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
