Men's Soccer Down Blinn College in Season Opener

 BRENHAM,Texas– The Tyler Junior College Men's Soccer team started their season with a statement, defeating Blinn College 4-0 in their season opener on Thursday, August 28.

The Apaches (1-0, 1-0 Region 14 North) fired 21 shots, 8 on goal dominating the offensive side most of the match. It didn't take long for the Apaches to open up the scoring with a corner kick in the 15th minute finding its way to Tyler's Keiquon Aaron in front of the goal. Both teams would play scoreless the rest of the half.

In the second half Apaches outside back Denzel Akyirem delivered a long pass from the right side over the top of the Buccaneer defense, setting up Elias Taj for a quick goal in the 47th minute. Apaches Lasse Ornberg put away a penalty kick in the 67th minute, and another goal from Taj in the 79th minute rounded out the scoring for Tyler.

TJC Notes:

• The Apaches improved to 15-0 against Blinn College dating back to 2018
• Apache Goalkeeper Joe Pollard recorded 3 saves, bringing his career save percentage to 86.8%. The win also marks Pollard's first shutout of the season, and seventh of his career.
• TJC Men's Soccer hasn't allowed a goal in a season opener since the 2021 season.
• Aaron and Ornberg's goals are the first of the season and career at TJC.
• Sophomore Taj scored his first two goals of the season, bringing his college career total to eleven.

UP NEXT:

The Apaches will travel south to face Texas Southmost College on Saturday, August 30. Start time is set for 1:00pm CDT.