Senior Ryan O’Neil used his head to slip a crossing shot from teammate David Jimenez by Jamestown keeper Tom Cooke for the Argos lone goal in the Semi-Finals of the Conference Tournament. “I am really proud of the effort today.” Coach Paul Zazenski said. “The team stepped their game up to get a great team win.”
The Jimmies, who beat the Argos twice in conference season play, were the fourth seed with an 11-7-1 record. Their task was to sweep the Argos who were the number one seed in the conference tournament with a 13-4-0 record. The Argos defense was not willing to allow the Jimmies too many opportunities at the net. “Our defense really stepped up today. Zach (Johnson, goal keeper) and the entire defensive unit worked together to keep the shutout.” Zazenski added.
The Argos defensive unit allowed Jamestown College only 9 total shots with 2 shots actually on goal. Senior Net-Minder Zach Johnson was credited with the shutout and posted 2 saves. The Argos attacked (Tom) Cooke (The Jimmes goal keeper) 18 times with 6 being on goal. The Argo attack began 8 minutes into the first half when Manny Espinoza took a shot that flew past the net just wide. “The second half performance is what playoff soccer is all about.” Zazenski said.
In the second half the Argos defense held the Jimmies to only 4 shots. Just 2:39 into the second half Miguel Mendez started attacking the Jimmie net and the rest of the team followed suit. The Argos tallied 10 attacks in the second half. 23 minutes into the second half O’Neil caught Jimenez’s feed and scored for the Argos what would prove to be the only score of the game.
“Now, we need to work hard and prepare for Saturday’s match.” Zazenski concluded.
The Argos will play Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who beat Rocky Mountain College in overtime 3-2, on Saturday at 11:00 am for the Conference Championship.