WNCC Men's Soccer Edges Casper in Shootout
Western Nebraska Community College advances to the Region IX final after a penalty-kick win over Casper College.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Soccer
Western Nebraska Community College men's soccer defeated Casper College 2-1 in penalty kicks in a Region IX semifinal after the match was scoreless through two 10-minute overtime periods, winning the shootout 4-3. The team will face Northwest College in the Region IX final on Saturday in Powell, Wyoming.
Why it matters
The win sends Western Nebraska Community College to the Region IX championship match, keeping its postseason run alive. The result also secures a final-round opponent that already reached the final by defeating Otero College 2-0.
The semifinal ended with a 2-1 Western Nebraska Community College lead in regulation shot totals of 19 to 15 over Casper College, and the shootout was decided 4-3. The outcome of the Saturday final against Northwest College remains unknown.
The players
Western Nebraska Community College
A community college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, whose men's soccer program competes in the NJCAA Region IX.
Casper College
A public community college in Casper, Wyoming, whose men's soccer team lost the Region IX semifinal on penalty kicks.
Northwest College
A public community college in Powell, Wyoming, which won its Region IX semifinal 2-0 over Otero College and will host the final.
The details
Alessandro Gonzalez scored for Western Nebraska Community College 17 minutes into the match after Mariano Miranda found him with a pass, and Zachary Binette tied it for Casper College in the 75th minute. Ever Zubia made four saves in goal, while Juan Macias was red-carded for a tactical foul that left his team playing a man down.
Timeline
Sunday, November 1, 2026: Western Nebraska Community College defeats Casper College in penalty kicks in the Region IX semifinal.
Saturday: Region IX final against Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming.
Season Trajectory
The semifinal win advances Western Nebraska Community College into the NJCAA Region IX final within the existing postseason bracket. Its path continues against Northwest College, the only other team remaining in the bracket.
The Saturday final decides the Region IX championship, so the result determines which team advances in the postseason bracket. Fans following the bracket can track the matchup in Powell, Wyoming.
The takeaway
Postseason soccer can turn on penalty kicks, and a single shootout can decide whether a team reaches the final. Following the Saturday Region IX final will show whether Western Nebraska Community College can close out its run.
What happens next
Western Nebraska Community College will face Northwest College in the Region IX final on Saturday in Powell, Wyoming.
Further reading
Follow the rest of the postseason at Soccer coverage for Nebraska.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star-Herald.
