By James Hernandez
   
Following three impressive non-conference victories the 20^th ranked team in the NJCAA invaded Price, Utah looking to establish itself as the team to beat in a competitive Scenic West Athletic Conference.

The intensity of conference play was evident from the opening whistle with both teams selling out for just a chance to generate any scoring opportunities they could. Despite both teams combining for 11 first half shots both keepers were up to the challenge, turning each scoring attempt and sending the match into intermission 0-0.

Things remained scoreless until the Eagles Frank Derby found the back of the net in the 72^nd minute to give his team a 1-0 lead. With only 18 minutes remaining in the match Southern Nevada would need to strike quickly, and that's exactly what they did. Ramon Urias Medina dropped a dime to Bruno Aleman that he converted into the equalizer, tying the match up 1-1 in the 78^th minute.

90 grueling minutes could not decide this war so both teams prepared for the first overtime. Ten additional minutes came and went, however the score remained knotted up 1-1. Finally, in the 102^nd minute of play Eastern's Guillermo Hernandez handed Southern Nevada its first loss of 2018 with a clutch goal to end this epic war of attrition.

Somehow both teams were able to get enough rest and rehydration to get back after it less than 24 hours later.

Coyote players took to the pitch with the nasty taste of defeat still fresh in their mouths and quickly struck for the matches opening goal when Maliq Cooper tallied his first of two scores six minutes into the match. Cooper had an "Encore" even the great Jay Z would have been proud of when he beat the Eastern keeper for the second time of the match at the 12:18 mark to give Southern Nevada a commanding 2-0 edge. The early goals took the wind out of the Eagles sails as the Coyotes dictated the pace of the match for all 90 minutes to claim the match 2-1.

You have to believe Coach Hawkins and his staff were extremely proud of the fight and resolve showed by this young team and despite a 1-1 road trip to Price, Utah this hungry group of Coyotes is showing the mental toughness and fortitude that it will take to challenge for a SWAC crown in 2018.

Fans your Coyotes will be in the Golden state Saturday September 15^th to battle Mt. San Antonio College.

For match times and live updates log onto www.csncoyotes.com or follow us on Facebook CSNCoyotes and Twitter @CSN_MSoc.