COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

Reiver Men's Soccer's perfect 2019 run came to an end Wednesday afternoon at the Reiver Sports Complex.  Conference nemesis Marshalltown held the home team off the board through two extra periods and advanced 6-5 in penalty kicks to reach the Conference Championship game. 

On a day where the temperatures hung in the mid-30s and snow fell to start the match, the two squads treated those who braved the elements to a classic rivalry game.  A continuation of the postseason rivalry that has been developed over the years turned once again into another great match-up.  A chess match on the field and tactically between coaches, the match was even for 110 minutes with both teams creating chances and going through spells of momentum, but both keepers rose to the occasion to keep the score tied at 0-0 after two extra periods.

Iowa Western entered the shootout confident with Goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat in frame, the freshman from Dubai ranks as the top goalie in NJCAA soccer.  A Reiver miss on their first attempt and final attempt was too much too overcome, with Koleilat deflecting only one of the Tigers six attempts.  The game, officially a tie, advances Marshalltown to the conference final against Iowa Lakes, who also won away from home, upsetting Indian Hills to reach the final.

The Reivers will now wait for a decision from the NJCAA National Tournament Committee to see if their resume is strong enough to earn a recently added at-large bid to the postseason.  Still ranked #2 in the nation and with another shutout secured, the Reivers feel that they have done enough over the course of the season to prove that they are worthy of a spot among the nation's best in Tyler, Texas when the tournament begins on November 18th.

The Reivers should know their fate, next week after the Region and District Tournaments have been completed around the country.

Follow the Reivers on social media @ReiverSoccer / @ReiverMSoccer