Reivers Get Revenge on Title Chase
Iowa Western made it back to the NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer National Championship last week, except this year, the Reivers beat Arizona Western to win it all and give them their second National Championship in team history.
Last season, Iowa Western fell to Salt Lake 2-1 in the championship game but rebounded as expected this fall. The Reiver went through the 2021 regular season undefeated and tied once before they suffered their first loss of the season against Iowa Lakes in the Midwest District Championship, a team they had beaten three times previously.
This tournament, Iowa Western averaged 2.5 goals per game, while only allowing two scored total against them. They shut out their opponents in the final three contests and their two were allowed in a 6-2 romp of Coffeyville in the first game of pool play.
After taking the Iowa Western to championship last season, and with a chip on his shoulder, head coach Mike Brown led them right back. Brown was awarded Coach of the Tournament after leading his team to victory. Coach Brown and the Reivers have only lost three games since he took over head coaching in the 2019-2020 season and has a combined record of 52-3-4 in three seasons.
Forward Ibrahim Conde and goalkeeper Yuta Ishizuka both made it to the All-Tournament team. Fellow ICCAC player Sofian Maghouz of Iowa Lakes was also named to the 12-man list (15 if you include Offensive, Defensive and MVP).
Conde also took the spot for Offensive Player of the Tournament.
Rounding out the awards was Iowa Western midfielder Giorgio Probo. Probo, the Spring 2021 ICCAC Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Year, was named Tournament MVP for his performances. Probo, who found the back of the net three times in the tournament, was responsible for two of the three goals in the final two games including the game-winner in the semifinal against Tyler (Texas) in the 80th minute.
Iowa Western Tournament Results:
Championship - Iowa Western def. Arizona Western, 2-0 - BOX SCORE
Semfinals - Iowa Western def. Tyler, 1-0 - BOX SCORE
Pool Play 2 - Iowa Western def. Laramie County, 1-0 - BOX SCORE
Pool Play 1 - Iowa Western def. Coffeyville, 6-2 - BOX SCORE