Blinn hangs tough against No. 5 Tyler in Region XIV setback

The Blinn College men's soccer team fell short in a 4-2 loss to No. 5 Tyler Junior College in a Region XIV bout Saturday at Hohlt Park's Rankin Field in Brenham, Texas.

After sophomore midfielder Joseph Boyce tied the match at 2-2 with a goal in the 49th minute, Tyler scored the go-ahead goal in the 52nd minute and added an insurance tally in the 90th.

(Pictured: Blinn's Joseph Boyce celebrates following a goal against Tyler Junior College on Oct. 15)

"We got punished by a good team today, but we don't have time to dwell on the result because we play another big game on Wednesday," Blinn head coach Michael McBride said. "Securing a home playoff spot has been our goal all season, and fortunately, we still have a chance to secure one next week."

Blinn fell to 10-6-2 overall and 6-5-1 in conference play.

The Apaches got off to a quick start offensively with a goal in the second minute, but the Buccaneers answered when freshman forward David Garcia scored on an assist from freshman defenders Joe Loughnane and Flynn Toon in the seventh minute.

Tyler regained the lead in the 14th minute, but Boyce netted the equalizer with a slick shot to the back-right corner on a feed from Toon and Garcia.

The Apaches outshot the Bucs 18-10.

(Pictured: Blinn goalkeeper Kevin Pena returns the ball to play during a match against Tyler Junior College on Oct. 15)

Blinn sophomore Kevin Pena made six saves for the Bucs.

The Bucs will visit Trinity Valley for a region match at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Athens, Texas.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.