Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

By James Hernandez 

Despite a 2-2 record over its last four matches, twentieth ranked Southern Nevada remained in control of its postseason destiny as they sat atop the SWAC standings with four critical matches remaining in the regular season.

The week opened up with a Wednesday afternoon showdown in Price, Utah as CSN took its show on the road to faceoff with Utah State University-Eastern for a third time in 2017. Southern Nevada was 1-0-1 versus the Eagles entering Wednesday's match as both clubs looked to separate themselves from a crowded SWAC, in which the top four teams were separated by just two games entering play. Former Bonanza Bengal standout Manuel Ponce further solidified his claim as freshman of the year in the conference when he tallied an unassisted goal 8 minutes into the first half. Impressive defense by the Coyotes in the first 45 minutes of play allowed keeper Miguel Navarrete to turn away the only shot he faced as Southern Nevada went into the locker room with a 1-0 edge. The game remained that way until Jojea Kwizera slipped the equalizer past Navarrete in the 72^nd minute of the match, knotting it at one goal apiece. CSN and USU-E went to overtime for the second time in three matches, but this time it was the Coyotes who found a way to breakthrough. Just three minutes into overtime former Bonanza teammates Manuel Ponce and Juan Rodriguez hooked up for the game-winner off the foot of Ponce, giving CSN a crucial 2-1 overtime victory. The victory improved the Coyotes record to 8-3-1 with only three matches remaining in the regular season.

After outscoring CNCC 15-4 in a weekend sweep earlier this season in Rangely, the Spartans came to "the den' looking to exact a measure of revenge on #20 Southern Nevada. Versatile midfielder Stefan Skrinjaric flashed his brilliant open-field skills, converting the team's first goal off a perfect pass from Momodou "Mo" Kinteh to give the Coyotes a 1-0 advantage. Kinteh tallied a goal of his own less than two minute later thanks to an assist from Luis Olandez to push the lead to 2-0. Skrinjaric channeled his inner Steve Nash, assisting on the next two CSN goals by Diego Nieves and "Mo" Kinteh to tally his second and third points of the match. The coyotes took a commanding 4-0 lead into intermission. Bruno Aleman and Manny Lopez found the back of the net in the second half as CSN cruised to a 6-0 shutout victory. Southern Nevada was led by Skrinjaric and Kinteh with three points apiece as they improved 9-3-1 with just two matches remaining.

Fans your Coyotes head to Taylorsville, Utah for a critical late season matchup with Salt Lake and return home Saturday morning for sophomore day at "the den" versus Snow College. For match times, live updates and ticket information log onto www.csncoyotes.com or follow us on Twitter @CSN_MSoc and Facebook CSNCoyotes.