The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s soccer team (2-1) captured a thrilling victory over No. 1 Northeast Community College (Norfolk, Nebraska) Saturday at Hot Springs World Class High School, defeating the reigning National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Champions, 2-1.
In a physical first half, Northeast Community College took control of the scoreboard early, driving a goal past Nighthawk freshman goalkeeper Joseph Jones (Hyde, England) with 37:42 remaining in the first half.
Bending, but not breaking, NPC continued to aggressively attack the Hawks’ back line. Nighthawk striker Louis Learoyd (Aix Les Baines, France) delivered the equalizer with 15:40 remaining in the half. The sophomore won a one-on-one battle with the Hawks’ goalkeeper, stealing the ball and punishing the open goal to even the match.
Tied, 1-1, at halftime, NPC’s defense shined brightly over the final 45 minutes. Jones recorded multiple saves, while the Nighthawk midfielders helped National Park College dominate the time of possession.
Midfielder Osagie Omoregie (London, England) scored the go-ahead goal for NPC with 36 minutes remaining in the match. After receiving a header from Learoyd at midfield, the sophomore sprinted past three defenders and evaded the goalkeeper for the score.
Lockdown defense carried NPC to victory down the stretch. Despite multiple attempts from Northeast Community College to even the score, Jones and the Nighthawk defenders stood tall, delivering the reigning champion’s first loss of the season.
Nighthawk men’s and women’s soccer travels to Ellisville, Mississippi, Saturday to face Jones College. NPC women’s soccer will face the 10th-ranked Bobcats at noon, followed by men’s action against the 13th-ranked Bobcats at 2 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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