The men’s soccer team has been playing more as a team this year as the Red Raiders continue to advance their winning streak.
Northwestern defeated Briar Cliff in Orange City on Sept. 29.
After a 4-0 lead at halftime during Tuesday’s game, the Red Raiders may have gotten comfortable and let up a little as Briar Cliff managed to squeeze in a goal behind freshman goalkeeper, Matt Scott. Key performances came from sophomore Landon Sibole, who recorded one goal and two assists. Freshman Tyler Limmer also scored and freshman Hartrick Tarr added two additional goals. The final score of that game was 4-1.
“We must score each game; otherwise the end result will be a loss,” said Head Coach Dan Swier. “Defense is also just as important as the offense. We must defend well by holding our opponents to two goals maximum. And lastly, no two-game losing streaks. We must respond to each loss with a win.”
This season, the men’s soccer program has defeated No. 6 University of Mobile in Alabama.
“We have faced tough teams, and I believe our ability to play together is why we won,” Swier said.
The Red Raiders have shown that they can compete with all opponents and hope that their hard work takes them to nationals in November.
“I think everyone on the team has a role and they all know their roles,” said sophomore defender Connor Sams. “Hartrick scored two amazing goals. Everybody’s contributed really well and everyone has something to contribute to the team. If we keep communicating and playing well, hopefully we can go to nationals this year.”
Women’s team
The NW women’s soccer team took on the Briar Cliff Chargers on Tuesday as well.
The game ended in a 0-0 tie after regulation and double overtime. Senior Michaela Gibson, junior Jahdai Dunk, and freshman Sabrina Tarchione each had shots during the game. Sophomore goalkeeper Naomi Schimmel had two saves and recorded her second successive regulation shutout.
The men’s and women’s soccer teams will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, to take on the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves on Saturday.
