#3 Iowa Lakes Opens 2025 Season With Dominant Performances at JUCO Kick Off Classic

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Iowa Lakes men's soccer team, entering the 2025 season ranked No. 3 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll, made a powerful statement on opening weekend. The Lakers swept both of their matches at the JUCO Kick Off Classic in Indianapolis, recording two shutout victories over nationally recognized opponents.

On Friday, August 22, the Lakers defeated Schoolcraft College—who were receiving votes in the national poll—by a score of 5–0. Freshman forward Sharif Nata N'tcha struck twice in the first half, scoring in the 19th and 25th minutes with assists from Jugene Wessels and Rory Currie. Emmanuel Benazra added a 44th-minute goal, assisted by Sam Storey, to give Iowa Lakes a 3–0 lead at the break. Benazra netted again in the 57th minute for his brace, with Currie assisting, before Wessels capped off the scoring in the 61st minute off a pass from Kenta Yagi.

The Lakers followed up with another strong performance on Sunday, August 24, defeating No. 16 Prairie State College 2–0. Sophomore Kenta Yagi earned and converted a penalty, calmly finishing into the top left corner to give Iowa Lakes the lead. In the 62nd minute, Rory Currie delivered the insurance goal, assisted by Wessels, who once again played a key role in the attack.

Defensively, the Lakers were rock-solid all weekend. Sophomore goalkeeper Louis Krueger and center backs Florent Lefebvre and Jeremy Koppe anchored a backline that secured back-to-back clean sheets against two of the top programs in the country.

With the pair of victories, Iowa Lakes opens the season 2–0, outscoring their opponents 7–0.

The Lakers face a quick turnaround as they return to action on Monday, August 25, traveling to face Illinois Central, a team receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I poll.

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