In sport the most talented team does not always win. Sometimes it is the team that runs faster, tackles harder and is ready for the moment. Wednesday, October 23rd, in Spencer, Iowa was just one of those nights. 

The first half was what you would expect in a ICCAC conference championship game between #1 and #3 ranked teams in the NJCAA D2 national pole. tactical, contentious, tight, and back and forth. It ended in a 0-0 stale mate.

The second half witnessed some real drama. Iowa Lakes drew first blood, with a great bit of team play in the 52nd minute, they held that lead for 15 minutes when Northeast found the net. Iowa Lakes had an answer six minutes latter as Ruadhan Feeney hit a brilliant Free Kick. This lead stood for 9 minutes, on a Corner Kick set piece, Northeast found a head and the net to tie the match. Then just three minutes latter, and with five minutes on the clock, a scramble in front of the Lakers goal resulted in an Own Goal. At the final the team in red was celebrating and the team in blue was just that.

These two team have now met four time in the past two seasons. With Northeast holding a 3-1 lead in results, last year the team from Norfolk won in conference play and in Region play, and the team from Spencer won in the National tournament. Time will tell what story lines these two teams will write this year. Region 11 tournament starts Saturday, as Southeastern play Iowa Central, this winner will travel to Northeast, Western Iowa Tech plays Dakota County with the winner traveling to Iowa Lakes. Semifinals are Tuesday 10/29, with the final Saturday 11/2.