FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#4 Iowa Lakes Earns Draw Against Nation's Top-Ranked Team

Council Bluffs, IA – September 13, 2025 – The No. 4-ranked Iowa Lakes men's soccer team showed grit and composure on the road Saturday, battling to a 1–1 draw against No. 1 Iowa Western in a clash between two of the nation's top NJCAA programs.

Iowa Western struck first, carrying a 1–0 lead into halftime. The Lakers answered early in the second half when Jugene Wessels netted the equalizer in the 49th minute, finishing off a setup from Emmanuel Benazra. From there, the match remained tight, with both teams trading opportunities. Iowa Western held a slight edge in shots, 8–7, but the contest proved evenly matched from start to finish.

"This was a statement performance for our group," said Head Coach Ben MacRae. "Anytime you go toe-to-toe with the No. 1 team in the country, especially on their field, it shows the quality and character we have in this squad. I'm proud of the fight we showed today."

The Lakers (3-3-2) now turn their attention to conference play, as they host North Iowa Area Community College on Saturday, September 20, in Spencer. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM.

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