NORFOLK – The Northeast Community College men’s soccer struggled in the second half of its game here Tuesday against North Iowa Area Community College and fell to the Trojans 2-1 in its last home match of the season.
North Iowa scored first at the 31 minute mark while Geremy Dable scored for the Hawks just before the break. The Trojans scored the second half’s lone goal at the 73 minute mark.
Chad Miller, Northeast coach, said this was definitely a game of two halves.
“We played really well in the first half and I felt we had control of the game the majority of the time as well as going into half time. Besides their one goal, I felt there weren’t too many threats by them to score, and we had some great chances to score, but just missed by being a little out of position.”
Miller said it may have appeared they changed their game plan in the second half, but that was not the case.
“Our communication, possession and energy were all gone. We seemed mentally out of the game. That seems to be by far our biggest weakness. We have all the talent we need, but mentally we struggle putting together 90 minutes of soccer. I will spend the rest of the night and this week trying to find a skill that can prepare us mentally for 90 minutes. If we find that, we will finish strong.”
North Iowa Area Community College led in shots 12-11 and shots on goal, 10-5. For the Hawks, Saul Magana had one assist and Fernando Lopez recorded eight saves.
The Hawks travel to Ottumwa, IA, on Saturday to face Indian Hills Community College in Northeast’s regular season finale. Game time is 2 p.m.