Nighthawk Soccer Kicks Off 2023 Season
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s soccer teams kicked off
their respective seasons this week, with the men’s team defeating No. 13 Pearl River
Community College, 3-2, Saturday and Northwest Mississippi Community College, 2-0,
Wednesday and the Nighthawk women falling to No. 11 Pearl River Community College,
10-0, Saturday and dropping a 10-0 decision to No. 3 Northwest Mississippi Community
College Wednesday.
In Saturday’s season opener, the Nighthawk women fell behind early and couldn’t catch
up, allowing three goals in the first half to the Wildcats. NPC continued to battle
in the second half, but could not overcome the deficit, dropping a 10-0 decision.
In men’s action, the Nighthawks jumped out to a hot start and relied on strong defense to hold the 13th-ranked Wildcats at bay. At the 24:12 mark in the first half, freshman forward Ali Muganga (Nashville, Tennessee) started the scoring for NPC with a header into the top of the net. 90 seconds later, the Nighthawks pushed in their second goal of the match on a penalty kick from sophomore center back Kevin Puente (Fort Worth, Texas). Two minutes into the second half, NPC punched its third goal of the match on a cross-field strike from freshman forward Paulo Ndenzako (Memphis, Tennessee). The Wildcats would not go away quietly, however, striking for two goals late. Through tough defense, NPC held off the late threat to take down its first nationally-ranked opponent in program history.
Against third-ranked Northwest Mississippi Community College (NMCC) Wednesday, the Nighthawk women struggled against the Rangers’ stingy defense, falling behind with a 5-0 deficit after the first 45 minutes. NMCC stayed on the attack throughout the second half, adding five more goals to take a 10-0 victory.
In Wednesday’s nightcap, the Nighthawk men repeated their strategy from Saturday’s
win with an aggressive
offensive start featuring multiple shots on goal. Freshman midfielder Grayson Owens
(Memphis, Tennessee) put the Nighthawks on the board at the 25:28 mark in the first
half, helping NPC to a 1-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Nighthawks added
their final goal on a strike from Ndenzako. Over the final 30 minutes, NPC maintained
strong and physical defense, cruising to the 2-0 victory.
NPC travels to Paris Junior College Sunday, August 27. The Nighthawk women take on
the Dragons at 2 p.m., followed by men’s action at 4 p.m.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
X: @NPC_Nighthawks
