The NJCAA #2 ranked Marshalltown Tigers suffered their first setback of the 2019 season as they dropped their contest against Illinois Central 2-1 on September, 6. The Tigers had opened up the season 3-0 but were bested by the Cougars in a physical matchup.
Normally reliant on their ball control and managing the speed and style of the game, the Tigers were unable to keep possession of the ball in the loss. The Cougars opened up the scoring with an unassisted goal in the 57th minute of play by Tajina Fairclough. It didn't take long for Illinois Central to add to their lead as Juan Rosique added a goal from 25 yards out in the 64th minute to put the Cougars ahead 2-0.
Playing from behind for the first time in the season, the Tigers answered quickly with a Guilherme Pereira goal from just inside the box off of an assist from Kazuki Kimura in the 67th minute of play.
While the Tigers tried desperately to even the score, the Cougar defense stifled the MCC attempts and the contest ended 2-1. In a game marred by yellow cards, the Illinois Central defense and goal keeper hung on as Felix Schuster stopped six of the seven Tiger shots on goal while Matteo Crescente was able to stop just three of the Cougar shots on goal.
The Tigers don't have to wait long to get back on the pitch as they take on Prairie State College on Sunday, September 8 for a noon matchup.
