RedTails Advance in Postseason Behind Gakaka’s Big Second Half

The Hawkeye RedTail Men's Soccer Team advanced in postseason play after a 3-1 win over the Northeast Hawks of Nebraska on Saturday afternoon in a Region XI Tournament semifinal.

After a fast-paced first half, the score was 0-0, as neither team was able to take advantage of their shots on goal. The RedTails started strong in the second half, as Freshman Forward, Keith Gakaka, opened up the scoring with a goal in the 46th minute on an assist from Joe Baston. Northeast answered right back with a goal of their own 11 seconds later, tying the game back up at 1-1. 

The game then looked much like the first half, where both teams were racing up and down the field, unable to secure a goal. Gakaka struck again in the 70th minute, this time on an assist from Donald Holliday. The RedTails used their stout defense and one more goal from Sam White in the 77th minute to close out the game with a 3-1 victory. 

The RedTails advance to play top seeded Southeastern Community College on Tuesday, May 18, in Burlington, Iowa.