The Laker men's soccer team will host the NJCAA Region 11 Championship game this Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 pm in Spencer, IA. The Lakers will face off against the 2nd seeded Blackhawks from Southeastern Community College. The route to the championship for the Blackhawks started on October 29th against the 3th seeded Raiders from Central Community College. The Blackhawks came out victorious to advance to the NJCAA Region 11 championship game in thrilling fashion, going the full 90-minute regulation, two 10-minute golden goal periods, and ending 5-4 in penalty kicks. Leading the Blackhawks is head coach Henrique Vieira, entering his 1st season at the reins of the Blackhawks. Vieira has led the Blackhawks to a 12-3-3 overall record and a 7-1-2 conference record in his 1st season.

For the Lakers, the road to the regional championship game started with a double bye, secured by the Lakers winning the regular season Iowa Community College Athletic Conference Championship. The Lakers were set to face 4th seeded Hawks from Northeast Community College (NJCAA Ranked #3) in the semifinals. After a scoreless first half, the Lakers exploded in the second half, scoring 4 goals. Freshman Sharif Nata N'tcha secured his first hat trick of the season, scoring the first two goals (both assisted by freshman Jago Rafii) and the final goal of the game (assisted by Freshman Jose Velasquez). Also scoring for the Lakers was sophomore Sam Storey (assisted by Freshman Emmanuel Benazra). The Lakers topped the Hawks 4-1 to move onto the NJCAA Region 11 championship.

Leading the Lakers is head coach Ben MacRae, entering his 12th season at the reins of the Laker men. Coach MacRae has led the Lakers to four NJCAA National Tournaments, 2023 National Tournament Champions, 2021 and 2024 national tournament semifinalists, 2024 NJCAA Region 11 Champions, three ICCAC Coach of the year awards, and NJCAA District Coach of the Year. Coach MacRae led the Lakers to their first regular season conference championship in program history, as well as a 11-5-2 overall record and a 7-2 conference record.

The NJCAA Region 11 Championship game is set for a 2:00 pm kickoff at the Spencer Soccer Pitch (1106 East 9th St. Spencer, Iowa 51301) on Sunday November 2nd .

To learn more about Iowa Lakes Athletics, please visit iowalakesathletics.com.

MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ben MacRae, Head Men's Soccer Coach 712-580-8609, and Sports Information Marketing, at 712-362-7928 or amartin@iowalakes.edu.