SEASON RECAP: Hawks gain competitive edge heading into 2019

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast men's soccer team battled from start to finish throughout the 2018 season.

The Hawks tallied five wins on the year, while dropping six games by two goals or less.

"We played eight top-20 ranked teams this year and were competitive against all but one," head coach Chad Miller said. "Key mistakes hurt us and gave up goals that turned the momentum."

Northeast began the season off on a high note, defeating ASA College of Miami 2-0 in Daytona, Fla. The Hawks went on to pick up crucial conference wins over Scott Community College, Dakota County Technical College, Hawkeye Community College and Southeastern Community College.

Miller and the Hawks are already preparing for next season, after knowing what it takes to compete in the tough Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.

"We are looking to take another step forward," Miller added. "Our record didn't show great this year, but when you look back at our competition, we were competitive against everyone for the first time in school history. If you didn't come to the games, you wouldn't see that. But we took a huge step forward this year in competing. Now we need to turn those close losses into wins."

Sophomore Victor Galterio was the go-to scoring threat for the Hawks this past season. Hailing from Pedreira, Sao Paulo, Brazil, he was named First Team All-Region after starting in all 15 games, while tallying seven goal. He ranked No. 23 at the NJCAA DI level in game-winning goals with four.

Goalie Massimiliano Simonazzi earned Second Team All-Region honors after recording 74 saves in 1,313 minutes in the net. Felipe Guilherme and Yuri Rocha were named All-Region Honorable Mention in their first year at Northeast. Guilhereme started in 12 games, recording three goals and three assists. Rocha started in 13 games and logged five assists.

"The sophomores always pushed for a higher level of play and I feel the freshmen saw that and now want to push the level up," Miller said.

Now deep into the recruiting season, Miller feels good about the potential of his team heading into next fall.

"We will get better with mental preparation and getting touches on the ball," Miller said. "If we limit our mental mistakes and improve our touches even more, I feel we will be on the right road."

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.