Hawks fall in final minutes in ICCAC play

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College men's soccer team rallied back to score two goals in the second half against Scott Community College on Saturday, but a late goal in the 87^th-minute sealed the win 3-2 for the visitors at Memorial Field in Norfolk.

Joseph Ramirez (Gig Harbor, Wash.) punched in a goal in the 73^rd-minute to put the Hawks (2-7, 0-2 ICCAC) on the board in the second half. Two minutes later Yuri Rocha (Brasilia, Brazil) tied the game at 2-2 off an assist from Alex Wilcock (Manchester, England) that ultimately gave Northeast a fighting chance.

However, Scott had the final say as they found the back of the net with three minutes to play in the ICCAC match.

"Mental mistakes hurt us in this match," head coach Chad Miller. "We had some great chances and Scott's goalkeeper came up with some big saves and they kept us out of the net. It was great to see our guys stay with it and come back to tie the match, but mental mistakes put us in a position that we could have avoided. I am proud of the comeback, but I wish we could have finished this one out on a higher note."

Northeast out-shot Scott, 24-10. Ivan Castillo-Garcia (Broomfield, Colo.) had three saves for the Hawks.

The Hawks battle Iowa Western Community College at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Reiver Sports Complex in Council Bluffs, 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.