(Spencer, Iowa) The Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers have achieved a monumental feat by winning the NJCAA Division II National Championship in Tucson, Arizona, from November 12-18. This win marks the first national title in the College's athletic history, a momentous occasion for the men's soccer team.
"Delighted at winning a national title. It's almost surreal. Although you set high standards, you never know how far you can go. Balancing a team with players from various countries and backgrounds is a formidable challenge, but we found the perfect blend this year. It's not just about the right skill set; it's about finding individuals with the right character who can seamlessly come together as a team. This delicate balance is never easy to achieve, but we did something special this year. Congratulations to our fantastic coaches, whose guidance and expertise paved the way for success. Their unwavering commitment to the vision we had for our team played a pivotal role in shaping our journey to the top. Special commendations to the players for buying into that vision and working tirelessly to turn it into reality," shared Head Men's Soccer Coach Ben MacRae.
The championship victory at the national tournament, where the team showcased an impressive 7-2-1 record, is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Notably, this achievement follows three appearances in the national tournament over the last four years, including a semi-final appearance, underscoring the team's consistent performance and growth.
In a thrilling semi-final game against Northeast, the Lakers overcame past defeats to emerge victorious against the top-ranked team. With a strategic approach focusing on strong defense and calculated attacks, the team maintained a tight backline and midfield shape. The pivotal moment was a penalty kick by Emilio Cazares, leading to a decisive 2-0 lead. The Lakers' defense held strong, conceding only one goal in the final minutes and throughout the tournament.
"Going into the game, we had a plan and spent as much time as possible in scouting our opposition. However, that all goes out of the window as soon as the game starts, and you have to make adjustments based on how the opposition plays and the game's momentum. Although we didn't have as much of the ball as we would have liked, we knew that if we could keep a clean sheet, we would put ourselves in a good position, and our moments would come. We created the best two chances of the game but couldn't convert our chances in those crucial moments. However, our players showcased extraordinary resilience, digging deep to force the game into overtime. It was a massive team performance. The message during those crucial moments was simple: maintain high levels of focus in the present moment and fight for every opportunity. As the match extended into the nail-biting territory of penalties, weeks of dedicated practice paid off, and it was a fitting climax to the drama. What stood out was the unity of our group. Two players who hadn't seen a minute of action stepped up to take and convert crucial penalties. This not only demonstrated the depth of our squad but also highlighted the unwavering trust and togetherness that defined our team throughout the season," explained Coach MacRae.
In the future, the team faces the challenge of replacing most of its starting lineup next season, a common aspect of Junior College sports. This transition highlights the importance of strategic recruitment and development of backup players. The coaching staff is optimistic about the potential of these players and is committed to maintaining the team's competitive edge.
The championship is a testament to the Lakers men's soccer team's perseverance, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. It sets a new benchmark for the team and inspires future athletes at Iowa Lakes Community College.
To learn more about the soccer program, please visit iowalakesathletics.com.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Troy Larson, Executive Dean of Students and Athletic Director, at (712) 362-7915 or tlarson@iowalakes.edu or Ben MacRae, Head Men's Soccer Coach, at 712.850.8609 or bmacrae@iowalakes.edu.