San Jacinto College soccer advances to national championship tourney

Kyle Smith - 11/8/2008 After defeating Northern Oklahoma College and with the scoreboard still reading 1-0, the San Jacinto College soccer team poses for a photo after being awarded their championship plaque for the National Junior College Athletic Association Mid-South District.

"These boys have come a long way and have overcome many adversities this season between Hurricane Ike and injuries," said Dr. David Santesteban, SJC head coach. "It's always great to win games like this, but we've still got a long road ahead of us."

Northern Oklahoma came out agressive, missing two early goals off the crossbar, but couldn't get one in the net.

The game stood at 0-0 heading into the second half, and it wasn't until 20 minutes left when San Jac's Jose Guitierrez scored off a cross from Edward Campbell to make it 1-0.

SJC's goalkeeper Gabriel Rodriguez helped blank Northern Oklahoma with a game winning save, making it his third straight shutout.

San Jac now advances to the NJCAA National tournament November 20-23, in Phoenix, Arizona.

For more information about San Jacinto College’s soccer team, visit www.sanjacsports.com.