Reivers earn first shutout of 2018 season

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA - The Reivers earned their first shutout of the new season against Southeastern Community College on Wednesday afternoon. Sophomore Thei Tlo opened the scoring in the 20th minute after some good work on the left flank from Quinton Kipara and Natinael Ayalew. Ayalew's touch away from pressure found Thei alone in the middle of the box and he was able to beat the Blackhawks' keeper from close range. It was another sophomore, Vicente Gallardo, who was able to double the lead four minutes later with a strong header from a corner kick taken by Theo Le Calve. The Reivers were able to see out the rest of the half and took a 2-0 lead into the break.

It was the New Zealand pair of Nathan Monne and Quinton Kipara who were able to double the lead in the second half to finish the game 4-0. Raul Meneghetti was able to feed Monne's well timed run that put him into space in the middle of the field. Monne had to hold off the last defender as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner in the 65th minute. Kipara finished off the scoring in the 74th minute when Monne found him in space 30 yards from goal. Kipara took his touch towards goal and hit a curling effort into the top corner of the net leaving the keeper with no chance.

Freshman goalkeeper Georgios Sampatakos was able to record the Reivers first shutout of the season making two important saves in the second half, including one close range effort late on. Sampatakos was able to deflect the shot from 10 yards out past the far post. He was also saved by the woodwork late on when Folituu smashed a dipping effort off the crossbar.

The Iowa Western Men's Soccer team is averaging 2.5 goals per game in the young season, and looking to build on the recent clean sheet as they host Barton Community College Saturday, September 8th at the Reivers Sports Complex. The match can be viewed live at 4:00PM on www.njcaatv.com/iwcc.