Spencer, Ia (Northwest Iowa Now) – The Iowa Lakes Men’s Soccer team had remained unbeaten for 15 games in the 2024 season before dropping their first match on October 23rd to their rivals from Norfolk, Nebraska, Northeast. The Lakers would bounce back by beating Northeast in the Regional Championship by PKs. A Loss to Neosho County in the District Championship wasn’t enough to keep Iowa Lakes or Northeast out of the National Tournament, as both received at-large bids. The Lakers season came to an end at the hands of Neosho 3-1 in the National Semifinals. Northeast would go on to beat Neosho in the Championship game, making back-to-back National Champions out of the ICCAC in Division II. Iowa Lakes in 2023 and Northeast in 2024.

A lot of production is back for Iowa Lakes, especially on the defensive 3rd of the field.

That is head coach of the Lakers, Ben MaCrae. Coach MaCrae is entering his 11th season at the helm of a program that has turned into a National Power in recent years. One of the ways Iowa Lakes stays toward the top of the NJCAA Division II Rankings is because of the challenge they give themselves in the non-conference season. This year’s Out-of-league-slate has a Tournament in Grand Park Westfield Indiana where Iowa Lakes will take on Schoolcraft, Prairie State, and Illinois Central. It is back to Spencer after that for a home Invitational where they will see Western Nebraska and St. Louis.

Part of the Non-Conference Slate includes Johnson County, the #2 ranked team in NJCAA Division II, as well as both Indian Hills and Iowa Wester, ranked teams from the ICCAC’s Division I. After the grueling non-conference schedule, it doesn’t get easier. MaCrae believes there is no NJCAA Division II Conference like the ICCAC.

The Lakers not only bring an intriguing brand of Soccer to the pitch, but some high-level talent as well.

Northwest Iowa Now will bring you coverage of the Iowa Lakes Men’s Soccer team throughout the season.