The Marshalltown Community College soccer team traveled to Iowa Western on Wednesday, Oct. 30 as the underdog #4 to take on the #1 Reivers. The Tigers would not quit. The exciting semi-final game would come down to penalty kicks.

Both teams remained scoreless in regulation and even in the two overtimes to force both teams to penalty kicks. The best of five was still not enough to decide the game and it went to seven kicks where the Tigers came away victorious 6-5. 

"Yesterday's semi-finals prove that the ICCAC (Iowa Community College Athletic Association) is the strongest conference in the NJCAA-1," commented MCC Head Soccer Coach Rafael Martinez. "Iowa Lakes was able to get an amazing result against a very tough Indian Hills and then our team was able to advance in the PK shootout after 110 minutes of very high quality soccer against Iowa Western."

Yushi Nagao, Matheus Periera and Seiya Zen made the first three penalty kicks. Kenlove Solon had a sold kick but was stopped by Iowa Western's goal keeper. Sekou Kromah and Gustavo Leal each made the next two goals and Augusto Cunha made his goal to take the win.

"I am very proud of how well our players performed under pressure. I have said before that this team was coming together when it mattered the most, and yesterday's performance was another great step into the best version of ourselves." 

Sunday, Nov. 3 the Tigers will travel to Spencer, IA to take on Iowa Lakes at 3 pm in a repeat of last year's match up in the Region Finals. 

"Sunday's final against a very talented and well coached Iowa Lakes team will be a great challenge in an exciting atmosphere, so I am thankful that my players gave me the opportunity to be on the bench of another final."