The Utah State Eastern men's soccer team took a weekend trip to face two teams from the NJCAA's Region IX. The Eagles stopped in Casper, Wyoming for a matchup with Casper College before heading to Scottsbluff, Nebraska to end its non-conference schedule against Western Nebraska Community College.
Against the Thunderbirds, the Eagles opened the game with a goal from Leandro Robles in the 30th minute. The goal was Robles' second of the season. Eastern was able to hold its lead for the rest of the first half, entering the break with a 1-0 lead. Casper would equalize the match with a goal in the 80th minute, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
To end the non-conference schedule, the Eagles continued east to face Western Nebraska Community College. The Cougars opened the match with goals in the 25th and 26th minutes, opening an early 2-0 lead over USU Eastern. After starting the second half down two goals, the Eagles responded with a goal by Leandro Robles in the 62nd minute and Mac Jensen in the 68th minute. Robles' goal was this third of the year, and Jensen's was his first time finding the back of the net. Unfortunately, the Cougars would convert on a 69th minute penalty kick to give Eastern its first loss of the season.
The USU Eastern Eagles will next take the field against No. 16 Salt Lake Community College. The game will be Eastern's conference and home opener. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Saturday, Sep. 5.
