Iowa Western men's soccer team got off to a slow start and were unable to overcome a first half deficit vs the Tritons of Iowa Central Community College. Three minutes into the game the Reivers sloppy play presented the Tritons the ball and space, which they sharply took advantage of. Bee Akou was able to get down the right side of the field and made his way into the box where he slotted the ball back across the goal to find Guillaume Rouzic 12 yards out. Rouzic's shot took a deflection which lifted the ball over the Reivers keeper George Sampatakos and into the back of the net. The majority of the remaining half was back and forth with little sustained possession from either team, and limited chances as well, until the 39th minute. The Tritons took advantage of a free kick in the Reivers half. The ball was swung in at the near post and the Reivers were unable to clear their lines as the ball eventually found its way to Rouzic. Again, he finished his chance with a healthy deflection taking the ball past Sampatakos and into the corner of the goal.
The Reivers came out with more purpose in the second half as the Tritons decided to try to keep the lead they had as the second half was mainly played in the Reivers attack. Iowa Western was dangerous on set pieces as the captain Jaaziel Thompson had a strong header saved, and fellow center back Vicente Gallardo had a header cleared off the line as the keeper was out of his goal following an initial challenge for the cross. Red shirt freshman Tanner Miller also came close on two occasions. Having moved from the backline to a center forward role, Miller was able to use his speed to create two clear looks at the goal with well timed runs behind the Triton defense. On the first occasion Tritons keeper made a strong save and was able to keep the ball from Millers low shot. The second time Miller found himself in the box he was saved again but got another chance as his rebound came back to him. Miller was able to beat the keeper with his third attempt only for the crossbar to deny him the goal.
The Reivers drop their first conference game of the year and continue to look for their first victory at the Reiver Sports Complex, despite taking twice as many shots as the Tritons and putting seven of their shots on frame to the Tritons three.
The Reivers now 1-1 in ICCAC play will travel to Marshalltown this Saturday, September, 15th as they look to get back to winning ways. The game can be seen live at 2:00 PM at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlyzYicXCgU
