Nakazono lifts Cowley to a 2-1 win over sixth-ranked Iowa Western

In a battle of two of the top teams in the junior college rankings, the No. 5-ranked Cowley College men's soccer team got a tie-breaking goal from Sota Nakazono with just over one minute remaining as the Tigers knocked off No. 6-ranked Iowa Western 2-1 Tuesday in Council Bluffs, IA.

"This game was a demonstration of a national tournament environment," Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz said. "It was a top-10 match, and it lived up to the expectations. A lot of fight and intensity from both teams. I am proud of the boys; they showed resilience and determination against a top team."

Tuesday's contest was scoreless for most of the first half before Iowa Western's Stefan Bilinac scored off an assist from Ryusei Shimonishi with 4:53 remaining in the half.

Cowley would even the score at 1-1 early in the second half as Sora Funakoshi scored off a free kick. The goal by Funakoshi was his team-leading sixth goal of the season.

The game would remain tied and looked destined for overtime before Cowley's Sota Nakazono scored on another free kick from about the same distance as the first goal, as it was taken from about 30 yards out.

The goal for Nakazono was his second of the season. Tiger goalkeeper Kamy Ndione also played well, registering three saves in the win as Cowley out-shot the Reivers 11-5.

"Iowa Western is always tough, well-coached, and very organized, so that forced us to be locked in for 90 minutes," Vaz said. "We controlled possession and their attacking transitions for the most part, so it never felt like we lost momentum. Sora Funakoshi and Sota Nakazono, once again, were clutch in set pieces, and I am happy for them."

Cowley is now 9-1 on the season, while Iowa Western falls to 4-2-1.

The Tigers will return to conference play on Saturday at 3 p.m. when they travel to play at Garden City Community College. The Bronbusters are 5-3-4 overall and 0-3-3 in the Jayhawk Conference.

"We need to keep this energy as we return to conference play," Vaz said. "There will be no games short of intensity. Garden will be difficult, they have many good players, and we need to be prepared."

Photo Credit: Aigiza Nasyrova