Reiver Men's Soccer Dominates in Season Opening Weekend

The Iowa Western men's soccer program officially opened their long awaited spring 2021 season in dominant fashion over the weekend with 11-0 and 17-0 wins over Northeast Community College and Scott Community College, respectively in consecutive days.

The Reivers hosted Northeast CC in their season and home opener on Friday at the Reiver Sports Complex. Strong winds and inexperience contributed to a slow start for the Reivers, but after sophomore, Maruki Kawahara scored to break the deadlock, the Reivers began to find their groove and would score six goals before halftime. Ibrahim Conde finished the day with four goals and Patrick Millard kept the shutout after making several big saves in the first half when the Reivers were going against the wind. Both players capped off their collegiate debuts with strong performances. Ivan Callado and Benjamin Cam found a strong connection as well, scoring or assisting on a combined five goals. Callado finished with a hat trick and an assist, while Cam had two goals and an assist. Keigo Tanaka chipped in with a goal and six more Reivers contributed with assists. 

The Reivers travelled to Bettendorf, Iowa the followding day and faced off against Scott Community College on another windy day. The weather warmed up and the Reivers' offense continued to heat up as the Reivers poured in 11 first half goals. Evan Southern completed his hat trick within just four minutes of stepping onto the field and finished with five goals. Ivan Callado raised his season tally to seven goals and two assists across the first two games of the season with another big contribution of four goals and an assist. Benjamin Cam again found the connection with Callado to have a big day, contributing three goals and two assists. Five more Reivers scored and nine more Reivers assisted goals on the day. Patrick Millard and Yuta Ishizuka split halves to register the shutout for second shutout of the season for Millard and the Reiver backline. 

The Reivers, now ranked #2 in NJCAA D1 will look forward to this Saturday when they take on Southeastern Community College in Burlinton, Iowa at 1pm.