11/15/2007 4:45:00 PM Yavapai posts shutout in first round Roughriders down Illinois Central, 1-0
Courtesy/ Michelle Morse
Yavapai's Vincent Fimbrez (8) jockeys for possession of the ball in front of Brian Santos of Illinois Central Thursday evening in Tyler, Texas. Yavapai blanked the Cougars 1-0 to advance to the NJCAA's Final Four.
The Daily Courier
TYLER, Texas - In 23 matches this season prior to Thursday, Roughrider opponents had held YC to one goal just one time. It was a 2-1 loss to San Jacinto, Texas, back in September.
No. 2-ranked Yavapai only found the back of the net once in Thursday's NJCAA Tournament opener, but it was enough to top No. 7 Illinois Central 1-0 at Tyler Junior College and advance to Friday's semifinals.
"We set ourselves up to the point where we've guaranteed a Final-Four finish for the 16th time," head coach Mike Pantalione said. "But we'd like to guarantee our 12th title game appearance and sixth national championship."
Francis Khamis scored 10 minutes into the second half on an assist from Evan McNiel and the Cougars never really threatened the 'Riders.
Yavapai next will face Marshalltown, Iowa, which knocked off Mercer County, N.J., 2-1 in Thursday's final match of the first day.
YAVAPAI vs. MARSHALLTOWN Yavapai won't get the opportunity to face its old nemesis Mercer County, N.J., in Friday's semifinal, but the road to the championship match isn't any easier.
Marshalltown cashed in a corner kick with 25 minutes left in regulation to unknot a 1-1 halftime tie to eliminate Mercer County Thursday night in Tyler, Texas.
Marshalltown's roster, complete with 15 international recruits, concerns Pantalione who scouted the late match with Mercer in east Texas.
"They're ranked third in the country. They've only lost one match all season long," Pantalione said from Tyler. "It's hard to believe in the heartland of America in Iowa there's a team with 15 international players."
Both Yavapai and Marshalltown make up one half of the Final Four. San Jacinto, Texas, and Georgia Perimeter make up the other half.
Still, Pantalione sees early matchup problems with Marshalltown.
"We've got a lot of work to do between now and 6 o'clock tomorrow," he said.
