Last minute penalty-kick propels Iowa Western over Northeast

NORFOLK, Neb. – With under a minute to play, a successful penalty kick sealed an ICCAC victory for the Iowa Western Community College Reivers, topping the Northeast Community College men's soccer team 2-1 on Wednesday at Memorial Field in Norfolk.

A foul inside the Hawks penalty box proved to be the difference as Iowa Western punched in the game-winning goal. The Hawks wouldn't go down without a fight, sending a wind-aided shot to the crossbar, coming up just short of taking the match into overtime.

Alex Wilcock put Northeast on the scoreboard in the 13^th minute, ultimately stealing the ball from an IWCC defender. After a stout defensive effort by both teams, the Reivers broke away to tie the game in the 80^th minute.

"I felt we played very composed in the first half and played very patient," head coach Chad Miller said. "We had some chances that were created and had some good looks at the goal. Our defense played a strong first half keeping Iowa Western's attack at bay. In the second half Iowa Western took more control of the match and kept the pressure on. We were struggling with possession and Iowa Western did a great job getting us out of our rhythm. Giving up a penalty-kick in the final seconds is tough. We have to do a better job of moving our feet so that doesn't happen."

IWCC outshot Northeast 16-8. Goalie Massimiliano Simonazzi tallied seven saves and Ricardo Goldner recorded two shots in the loss.

The Hawks (5-8, 4-5 ICCAC) square off with Iowa Central Community College at 2 p.m., Saturday in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.