Otero Men’s Soccer Wins Northwest Plains District Championship

This year, for the second time in school history, the Otero Men’s Soccer team brought home the Northwest Plains District title and earned a spot to compete in the DI Men’s NJCAA Soccer Championship in Melbourne, Fla. The Rattlers wrapped up their conference tournament in the district final against Laramie County Community College last Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Art and Lorraine Stadium on the Colorado State University – Pueblo campus. Laramie beat out Otero the last 3 years at the finals.

After a standstill in the first half, Otero then put pressure on in the second, where Laramie had no answer. Otero netted goals in the 46th, 53rd, and 60th minutes to take control of the game going into the final 30 minutes.

The first goal was scored by Souley Diof with an assist by Daiki Kumakawa. The second, Gilles Aurelien, assisted by Abdou Samb. The third goal was by Aimar Calomarde and was assisted by Daiki Kumakawa. The fourth, and final goal was also scored by Aimar Calomarde with an assist from Souley Diof.

Assistant Coach, Alex Delgado said, “The sophomores really led the team starting with Danny, through our midfield with Abdou, and up top to our forward Souley. Those guys have been in this situation twice before and came up short, so they really took control and were not going to let that happen again. Nobody wanted that game more than our sophomores.”

First year Head Coach, Ty O’Connor, said this was the game he has been looking for all year long.

“The first half we went away from the way we have been playing all season, but at half time the message to the boys was that this could be the last 45 minutes for some guys in an Otero jersey. This message was taken very well as we decided to high press and use numbers in the second half which we were able to get one and we didn’t look back. A great team and staff win. We hope to continue this momentum into nationals.”

The DI Men’s NJCAA Soccer Championship will be held in Melbourne, Fla. Nov. 13 through 19. The Rattlers are seeded 11th and will compete in pool play on the 13, 14 and 15. After pool play, it will move on to a four-team bracket.

Look for more information to come on Otero’s social media.