MARSHALLTOWN, IA
Iowa Western men's soccer team dropped its second conference game in a row on Saturday, losing to the Tigers of Marshalltown Community College, 2-0. The first half had little to talk about in goal scoring opportunities, apart from the Reivers giving up a penalty as the half was coming an end. The Tigers' captain sent Sampatakos the wrong direction, but pushed his shot wide of the far post. The half ended 0-0.
The Reivers 2nd half could not have started worse, looking a step slower in the early minutes. Five minutes into the second half the Reivers conceded a well worked goal by the Tigers, and just three minutes after the Tigers scored again in similar fashion to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. Later in the half, the Reivers were exposed again only for the attacking player of Marshalltown to get stuck on the ball with an open opportunity. Down 2-0 and needing a change, the Reivers looked to fight back. The Reivers were presented with a great opportunity when they were awarded a penalty mid-way through the half. Reiver captain Jaaziel Thompson took the responsibility, but the Marshalltown keeper saved well to his right. Thompson had another great look on the rebound, only for the keeper to save again and keep the Reivers off the board.
The Reivers dropped their second conference game of the year and for the second consecutive game they were blanked, despite putting seven shots on goal and conceding only two, allowing just three total shots on goal.
The Reivers have a week to prepare for their next competition when they take on North Iowa Area Community College on Saturday, September, 22nd. They team looks to get back into a playoff position as the conference schedule continues. The game can be seen live at 4:00 PM in Mason City, or online at niacctrjoans.com