Raiders down Hawks in non-conference play

NORFOLK, Neb. – With the game tied at one apiece heading into the half, the Northeast Community College men's soccer team was unable to muster another goal in the second period, giving Central Community College a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night at Norfolk Veterans Memorial Field in Norfolk.

The Hawks (1-2) were first on the scoreboard after Arthur Lopez found the back of the net off a penalty kick, but the lead didn't last long as the Raider answered 10 minutes later.

With 12 minutes to play in the game, Central found the net off a deflected ball that bounced in for the goal to secure the victory.

"I felt we played a great game," Head Coach Chad Miller said. "Central did a good job of closing us down quickly. We had a couple chances in the first half, but nothing too serious. In the second half I felt the flow of the game was ours. Ten of our 12 shots were taken in the second half."

The Hawks out-shot the Raiders 12-8 in the contest. Goalie Massimiliano Simonazzi tallied five saves for Northeast.

"We had some great opportunities to score but were always just a little short on getting to the ball," Miller added. "We thought we had the equalizer late in the second half, but we were off sides so the goal was negated. Central did a good job of taking advantage of their set pieces to get them the win."

The Hawks host Indian Hills Community College for a conference match at 4 p.m. Saturday at Norfolk Veterans Memorial Field in Norfolk.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.