HAWKS MEN’S SOCCER WINS THRILLER TO ADVANCE TO NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

PRATT, Kan. – The Region XI Champions and No. 8 Northeast Community College men's soccer team was on the road Sunday to square off with Region VI Champions and No. 19 Pratt Community College in the Plains District Championship. The Hawks took the victory in a penalty shootout to advance to the NJCAA DII Men's Soccer National Tournament for the first time in the history of the men's soccer program.

The Hawks (18-4-1, 6-2 ICCAC) and Beavers both had to deal with wind conditions that shifted throughout much of the match. Pratt struck first in the 28^th minute and held a 1-0 lead at halftime. Northeast continued to get multiple corner kicks and close scoring chances throughout the contest but were unable to even the score until Jeevan Purewal (Wolverhampton, England) put in a penalty kick in the 72^nd minute.

The two teams then went into two 10-minute overtime periods where neither squad was able to put in a goal. The Hawks coaching staff opted to put in Jesus Baez (Madison, Neb.) off the bench and into the game for the best-of-five penalty shootout.

Baez made two clutch saves, while Ewen Guillermo (Noyal-Pontivy, France), Tom Hennah (Little Sandhurt, England), Purewal and Luca Baltzer (Oberstenfeld, Germany) all made their shots to clinch a spot in the NJCAA DII Men's Soccer National Tournament.

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Head men's soccer coach Adam Potter on his team battling to the end and winning the Plains District Championship:

"The champion mindset, a desire, a dream and a vision," Potter said. "We as a collective unit had this mindset. It's something every returning player and every newcomer had before lacing up the boots for the first training this season and is why we are heading to Arizona."

Potter on his thoughts as a major goal for his team has been realized:

"I am SO deeply proud of these young men and their endless pursuit of greatness in everything they do," Potter said. "I couldn't be prouder, but the job's not done."

UP NEXT:

The Hawks will await their matchups in the selection show on Tuesday, but they are indeed heading to the national tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Keeps tabs on Northeast's social media feeds to stay updated!

HAWKS HAPPENINGS:

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