COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – The Northeast Community College men’s soccer team struggled to move the ball forward here last night in their 4-0 loss to Iowa Western Community College.

Iowa Western is currently ranked 12th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I poll.

The Reivers scored three of their four goals in the first half.

Chad Miller, Northeast coach, said that while his team often moved too slowly to get a shot off, the defense played a strong game.

“We gave up some long shots on goal that were incredible shots and found their way in, but other than that, our back line and Massimiliano (Simonazzi) played great.”

Northeast had one shot on goal to the Reivers’ ten. Simonazzi tallied six saves for the Hawks.

Despite the loss, Miller saw many positive things in last night’s game.

“One thing we wanted to do better was defending set pieces. We were giving up a goal or two off of set pieces each game, but tonight we didn’t give up any. We also fixed some mistakes in the second half that we made in the first half. Iowa Western is fast, physical and well-coached. They move the ball quickly and attack in numbers. They are a very good team, so I am happy with the small steps we made tonight.”

Northeast (4-10-1) will face #14 Marshalltown Community College in Marshalltown, IA, on Saturday. Game time is set for 2 p.m.