Reiver men's soccer has better showing in second spring game

Reiver men's soccer has better showing in second spring game

The Iowa Western men's soccer team played their second game of the spring season on March 8th vs the Mavericks from the University of Nebraska Omaha at the Omaha Sports Complex. It took place one week after a one sided match up vs the Blue Jays of Creighton, and the Reivers bounced back with a resiliant display. The game was played in three 30 minute periods, and after the first break the score was deadlocked at 0-0. The Mavericks had the better opportunities in the opening period, but the flow of the game was even for long spells. The chances the Mavericks were able to create were thwarted by a combination of the keeper, backline, and woodwork to keep the score level.

The second period was much more back and forth with the Mavericks scoring early from a corner kick. The Reivers were able to level the score halfway through the second period through freshman midfielder Quinton Kipara. Kipara led the defense from the front as he pressured a stray pass. The pressure eventually led to the ball finding freshman midfielder Theo Le Calve in the middle of the field. Le Calve's one time pass back to Kipara set him up in a 1v1 situation with a Maverick defender. Kipara was able to squeeze his shot through the legs of the of his marker and left the keeper flat footed

The third period was another back and forth 30 minutes with the Mavericks getting better looks early. The Reivers came on strong late in the period as sophomore Sabino Lozano was denied by the crossbar on a well struck shot from outside the box, and again denied by the keeper from close range. The Reivers also created a couple dangerous situation on set pieces, but ultimately were unable to capitilize. The game finished 1-1. The Reivers will next play the Bulldogs of Drake University in Des Moines on March 30th at 1pm.