NORFOLK, NE – The Northeast Community College men’s soccer team has secured a spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XI playoffs after defeating Hawkeye Community College here Saturday, 2-1.

“We came out and played really well right from the start,” said Chad Miller, Hawks coach. We were moving the ball really well and had great rhythm.”

Halfway through the first half, Nickolas Gamma scored the first goal for the Hawks on combination passes from Tiago Cunha da Costa and Daniel Isaza. Northeast kept up their pressure and momentum, and three minutes later, scored their second goal courtesy of Derek Riege, who received the ball from combination passes from Arthur Lopez and Andrew Marsh. Hawkeye answered with a goal with one minute left in the first half to bring the halftime score to 2-1.

With one second left in the scoreless second half, Hawkeye received a free kick approximately 25 yards out, but Massimiliano Simonazzi made a save for the Hawks to win the game.

Northeast had five shots on goal to Hawkeye’s four. Simonazzi recorded three saves.

The Region XI playoffs will begin on Saturday, October 28.

The Hawks (6-11-1) will close regular season play tomorrow when they travel to Fremont to face Midland University JV at 3:30 p.m.