OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 8-ranked Johnson County scored three unanswered goals to rally from a 1-0 deficit for a 3-1 victory over Central Community College in the opening round of the Plains District Tournament Thursday night at the JCCC Soccer Complex.
The Raiders struck first with a goal by Jaime Zani in the 23rd minute, but JCCC was able to pull even in the 39th minute when sophomore midfielder Brian Aleman fired scoring shot off a feed from freshman forward Ben Points.
Aleman struck again in the 57th minute to put the Cavaliers up 2-1. It was Aleman's first multiple-goal game of his career and his third game winning goal of the season. Sophomore defender Nick McTighe provided the assist.
Johnson County added an insurance goal in the final two minutes when sophomore midfielder Dominic Zuniga netted his eight goal of the season, which ties for the team lead. Sophomore forwards Caleb Brueckner and Ryan Grinstead each picked up an assist on the score.
Sophomore goalkeeper Brody Macoubrie earned the victory, stopping seven of the eight shots he faced. With the victory, Macoubrie improved to 7-1-0 on the season and to 16-6-3 for his career.
Johnson County will now travel to Chanute, Kan., on Tuesday, November 5, to take on No. 5-ranked and top-seed Neosho County Community College. The Panthers swept the season series with JCCC, winning 4-2 on September 11 in Chantue, and 3-1 on October 5 at JCCC. The Cavaliers lead the all-time series 28-15-1.
The winner will host the District Championship on Saturday, November 9 and will face either Northeast Community College or Iowa Lakes Community College.