COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - Fifth-ranked Iowa Western Men's Soccer opened up the 2023 campaign with a 1-1 draw against #11 Barton Community College. 

The Reivers struck first in the 22nd minute on a goal by Timothy Mason after a scramble in the box.  The Cougars then ramped up the pressure throughout the rest of the match, taking 11 shots to the Reivers' two in the second half but could not capitalize.  Finally, in the 88th minute, Barton utilized a corner kick to set up a shot from the corner of the penalty box.  Kimito Fritz buried his shot across goalkeeper Javier Zaragoza's outstretched arms to the net's far side to even up the game.

Barton out-shot Iowa Western 18-5 but just two found the face of the goal. The Cougars also had a 15-1 advantage on corner kicks but the Reivers' defense held strong until the very end.

Iowa Western is back in action on Thursday at the Reiver Sports Complex for a 2pm kickoff versus Northeastern JC out of Sterling, IL.