NORFOLK – The Northeast Community College men’s soccer team fell to Iowa Lakes Community College here today, 8-0.

The hot and humid day saw the heat index in the 90’s at kickoff. The Hawks came out strong to start the game but quickly faded after giving up two early goals in the first half.

Iowa Lakes led by four at the half.

Northeast regrouped in the second half with another strong start but again struggled midway through the half, giving up back to back goals.

“We have talked about coming out strong and finishing each half strong, but I thought the heat got to us, and we started making unforced errors and losing possession,” said Northeast Coach Doug Seigle. “We have a lot of players that are injured, but that just means the next guy needs to step up, and unfortunately, we struggled today as a team.”

Iowa Lakes outshot the Hawks, 20-9, and also recorded more shots on goal with 15 to Northeast’s three. Troy Elliott put up seven saves for Northeast.

“I think our team’s biggest problem is mentally staying focused through diversity,” said Seigle. “When a mistake happens, a referee makes a bad call or we give up a goal, we put our heads down and let one mistake become two or three. Although we are mostly freshmen, we have to grow up soon or we are going to have games like this.”

The Hawks (1-8) next travel to Bettendorf, IA, on Saturday, when they face Scott Community College in a 2 p.m. match.