Casper College Men’s Soccer net two wins and a ‘hat trick’ over weekend
The Casper College Men’s Soccer team had an eventful weekend as they took on the Laramie County Community College Golden Eagles on Friday and the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars on Saturday.
Friday evening on the Steinfeld Soccer and Football Field at Kelly Walsh High School, the Thunderbirds beat LCCC 3-1. Goals by Roy Nozawa, Francesco Panetta, and Hedy Bechar secured the win. According to head coach Ben McArthur, assists were recorded for Jael Reyes, Francesco Panetta, Roy Nozawa, and Toa Suzuki, while Justin Godbout-Garon provided two assists. Goalkeeper Kadon Boyce played the full 90 minutes to secure the win.
“We were motivated to play LCCC tough and start Region 9 play with three big points. I was really proud of the way our guys competed and executed the game plan,” said McArthur.
On Saturday, also at Kelly Walsh, the Birds hosted the 2024 Region 9 champion Cougars. Casper College was able to score 5 goals to secure a 5-2 victory for another 3 points in Region 9 play. Justin Godbout-Garon had an outstanding day, scoring 3 goals in the first 15 minutes of the game. “This is only the second hat trick in CC Men’s Soccer history,” said McArthur. “All-American Yuto Hatayama had the first hat trick in 2023,” he noted. The 4th goal was scored by Hedy Bechar, and freshman Nate Dummar got the 5th goal to seal the deal. Hedy Bechar had three assists on the day, while Roy Nozawa and Francesco Panetta provided one assist each. Kadon Boyce went 90 minutes in goal for the win.
“I am thrilled for the guys to be able to play two complete games over the weekend and give us the start to Region 9 play we needed going into the season. We were very organized and played disciplined soccer to get these big wins. We won’t rest on the success but will look to improve going forward, McArthur said.
The team has a bye this weekend but will be back in action Sept. 19 in Riverton as they take on the Central Wyoming College Rustlers and Sept. 20 in Powell when they play against the Trappers of Northwest College.