Soccer Splits At Rich Mountain

Emily Gorrell on soccer field chasing after soccer ball.The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s soccer teams split their matches with University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UARM) Wednesday, with the women falling, 7-2, and the men defeating the Bucks, 2-1.

In women’s action, NPC (0-4) took the early lead on a strike from freshman midfielder Natalie Brice (Benton, Louisiana) 17 minutes into the contest and held the Bucks at bay, defensively, for most of the first 45 minutes. Late in the first half, however, UARM answered with two quick goals to take a 2-1 advantage going into halftime. In the second half, UARM kept its momentum, adding two goals over 23 minutes. Freshman striker Emily Gorrell (Tulsa, Oklahoma) put NPC cut the lead in half, 4-2, with 10 minutes to play. The Bucks added three goals over the final four minutes, however, to put the match out of reach.

Freshman goalkeeper Dietie Hale (Hot Springs) picked up seven saves in the loss.

In men’s action NPC (4-0-1) gained the lead in the first half on sophomore center back Tobias Minkus’ (Leipzig,Felix Rocca dribbles the soccer ball against two opponents. Germany) team-leading third goal of the season. Less than 10 minutes later, UARM responded with the equalizer, sending the game into halftime tied. In a back and forth second half, Nighthawk sophomore striker Felix Rocca (Leipzig, Germany) broke through the Bucks’ defense, scoring the game-winning goal, assisted by Minkus.

Sophomore keeper Evan Stafford (Cape Coral, Florida) added three saves in the win.

NPC faces Dallas College-Cedar Valley Sunday, September 10 in Lancaster, Texas. The Nighthawk women take on the Suns 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.

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