The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks men’s and women’s soccer teams were defeated
by Rose State College (Midwest City, OK) Thursday, with the women falling, 8-0, and
the men dropping a 3-1 decision.
In women’s soccer action, a quick two-goal strike from the No. 5-ranked Raiders set
the pace early, with Rose State College controlling most of the first half inside
NPC territory.
Trailing, 5-0, at halftime, the Nighthawks started to find their comfort zone in the
second half with increased communication and ball movement into Rose State College
territory, but struggled to advance against the Raiders’ stingy defense.
After the Raiders added three more goals throughout the period, NPC threatened to
end the shutout late, with freshman Yessenia Vargas (Houston, TX) offering up a shot
that sailed just right of the goal before the Nighthawks dropped their second-straight
decision.
NPC freshman Brooklyn Thormann (Godley, TX) added 17 saves in the loss and now leads
the NJCAA Region II with 28 saves this season.
In NPC’s men’s soccer program opener, the Nighthawks fell behind quickly, 2-0, to
the No. 15-ranked Raiders, before settling into a defensive rhythm. Offensively, the Nighthawks found good looks
in Rose State College territory, but a couple of missed NPC shots kept the Raiders
ahead, 2-0, at halftime.
In the second half, NPC attacked aggressively on offense, while maintaining an improved
defensive presence. Late in the second half, Rose State College added to its lead
with a converted penalty kick. After a red card brought NPC down to 10 players, freshman
David Montelongo (Katy, TX) answered by putting NPC on the board with a successful
penalty kick in the 77th minute for NPC’s first goal of the season, but the Nighthawks
were unable to complete the comeback.
NPC freshman goalkeeper Xavier Marquez (El Paso, TX) racked up eight saves in the
loss.
The Nighthawk men face Hendrix College today in an exhibition match in Conway at 8
p.m. On Thursday, September 2, the Nighthawk men and women play host to Northeastern
Oklahoma A&M College with the women playing at 2 p.m., followed by the men at 5 p.m.
The games will be played at Hot Springs Baptist Church in Hot Springs.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawks men’s soccer and Nighthawks women’s soccer online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
