Joliet Junior College men's soccer captured the NJCAA Division III Region 4 Championship in dominant fashion, defeating University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County, 10-2, on Wednesday.
The Wolves took control early and never looked back, dominating possession throughout the first half. Richard Tetteh opened the scoring in the 4th minute off an assist from Pablo Anton. Moments later, Francisco Sanches Do Nascimento found the back of the net himself in the 5th minute, extending JJC's lead to 2-0.
Rock County scored in the 6th minute to make it 2-1.
Linus Asenkerschbaumer scored in the 26th minute, and he kept the pressure on with a second goal in the 28th minute. Rock County managed to cut into the lead in the 39th minute, but JJC immediately answered when Asenkerschbaumer scored again just a minute later to make it 5-2.
Before the half, Tetteh added his second goal of the game on a rebound off a missed shot by Sanches Do Nascimento, and Jesse Goense converted a penalty in the 43rd minute to send JJC into halftime up 7-2.
Tetteh completed his hat trick in the 58th minute after following up a deflected cross past a diving goalkeeper. Linus Graetz then scored in the 76th minute, shooting the ball into the corner after a rebound, and Aiden Shaughnessy sealed the dominant win with a goal in the 78th minute to cap off the 10-2 mercy rule victory.
Following the match, head coach Cris Trillo was named Region 4 Coach of the Year, while Jesse Goense earned Region 4 MVP honors.
"It was a learning process. I think we've been pretty consistent, and I'm happy with the way we've been playing. This is what we've been training all year for," Trillo said.
He also spoke highly of Goense's leadership and impact on the defensive end.
"I think he's been a killer," Trillo said. "He's one of our captains, and he's been really consistent securing the back, especially with this being his first year playing center back."
With the Region 4 title secured, the Wolves will look to carry its momentum into the NJCAA Division III Midwest District Championship, continuing its pursuit of a national tournament berth.
