CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Freshman midfielder David Jara was named NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Week for his performance in Week 8 of the 2018 season.
Jara recorded three goals and one assist this week while leading the Buccaneers to wins over Jacksonville College and Angelina College that helped clinch a playoff spot.
"I am really excited to be named the player of the week and be the first player to receive the honor in the Blinn men's soccer program's history," Jara said. "Our goal was to make the playoffs as a first-year program and so we never gave up this week. This is a big deal and really motivating for me going into today's game."
To clinch a playoff spot, the Buccaneers had to win their final two games of the season. Jara led the offense with two goals for Blinn to take a 5-0 victory over Jacksonville, while recording an assist in Blinn's 2-1 overtime victory against Angelina.
"I am excited for him and proud of how he represented Blinn College and our men's soccer program this week," said Jorden Smith, Blinn head coach. "We knew this was our final week to clinch a playoff spot and Jara took the initiative and put the team on his back, so I couldn't be more proud."
Jara leads Blinn's offense this season with six goals and five assists. In addition, Jara became the first men's soccer player in the Region XIV Conference to be named player of the week this season.
Jara is the second Buccaneer to earn player of the week honors this season. Shelby Sheets was named NJCAA Division I Volleyball Tachikara Offensive Player of the Week for her performance in Week 5.
Blinn finished the regular season 6-10 overall with a 5-9 conference record. The Buccaneers face Laredo Community College in the Region XIV quarterfinals at 3:30 p.m. today at the Laredo College South Complex.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 38 NJCAA national championships since 1987.