BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. — The College of Southern Nevada men's soccer team battled back from an early two-goal deficit Saturday afternoon, but a physical, card-filled second half complicated the Coyotes' comeback efforts as Mohave College held on for a 2-1 victory in ACCAC play.
The Bighorns struck twice in the opening 20 minutes before Justin Gilliland brought Southern Nevada back within a goal in the 26th minute. Neither team found the back of the net again, as Mohave completed a season sweep of the Coyotes following another 2-1 victory in North Las Vegas on Sept. 19.
Mohave opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Alan Salgado put the Bighorns ahead 1-0. Seven minutes later, Salgado struck again, this time converting an assist from Lazzar Ramos to double the advantage.
Southern Nevada answered in the 26th minute when Gilliland found the back of the net, cutting Mohave's lead to 2-1 and giving the Coyotes momentum heading into the remainder of the opening half.
The one-goal margin held through halftime, setting the stage for an increasingly physical second period.
Both teams collected multiple cautions throughout the contest, but the intensity escalated in the final 35 minutes. Southern Nevada's Alejandro Marquez received a red card in the 58th minute, forcing the Coyotes to continue with 10 men.
The match became even more contentious in the 74th minute when four additional players were sent off. CSN's Javier Montes and Landen Mendiola received red cards, along with Mohave's Oscar Salgado and Vicente Villalobos.
Despite the disruptions and numerical disadvantage, Southern Nevada kept Mohave off the scoreboard throughout the second half. Goalkeeper Diego Mendez played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves, helping the Coyotes remain within a goal until the final whistle.
The match featured six red cards overall, including a late dismissal of CSN's Matias Martinez in the 84th minute.
Mohave finished with 13 shots, while the available statistics did not record individual shot attempts for Southern Nevada despite Gilliland's first-half goal.
The defeat dropped Southern Nevada to 1-12-1 overall and 0-7-0 in ACCAC play.
Up Next: The Coyotes return home for their final scheduled regular-season match on Saturday, Oct. 17, hosting Yavapai College at 4:30 p.m. at the Cheyenne Sports Complex in North Las Vegas. Southern Nevada will look to avenge a 4-1 road loss to the Roughriders on Sept. 26. Saturday's match will also serve as Sophomore Day, as CSN Athletics recognizes and honors the Coyote men's soccer sophomores for their contributions to the program.
