PARIS, Texas — Blinn College men's soccer (3-2, 3-2) held off Paris Junior College, 5-4, after scoring two late goals on Saturday night.

Johnny Girard, Daniel Lopez, Samuel Rosas-Esquivel, David Jara and Nicolas Gonzales all contributed to the win by scoring one goal apiece. In addition, Jara recorded two assists, while Farit Ha, Alexis Ochoa and Luis Garcia each recorded one. Erasto Cardenas posted six saves in the victory.

Paris was the first to strike for a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute, but by the 51st minute the Buccaneers secured a 3-1 lead.

Girard evened the score 1-1 in the 23rd minute with Blinn's first goal, while Jara recorded the assist. Lopez scored in the 44th minute, assisted by Ha, for Blinn to lead 2-1 at the half.

Jara kept the momentum rolling for Blinn in the second half by scoring in the 51st minute, while Ochoa recorded the assist.

Although the Buccaneers held a 3-1 lead, Paris managed to rally back with three straight goals in the 61st, 70th and 71st minutes to take the lead for the first time since the 9th minute.

Trailing 4-3, an assist by Garcia led Rosas to score for Blinn and tie the game 4-4. Jara assisted Gonzales in scoring the Buccaneers final goal in the 84th minute that led to the victory.  

The Buccaneers will continue conference play on the road against Coastal Bend College on Friday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 38 NJCAA national championships since 1987.