COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- The Northeast Community College men's soccer team saw its unbeaten start to the season come to a halt, falling 3-2 to top-ranked and defending national champion Iowa Western.

The Hawks had started out the season 8-0 for the first time in program history, already securing the most wins in a single season in program history before even starting conference play. The eight wins top the program's previous best seasons of 2017, 2020 and 2021, years during which the Hawks won seven games each.

Northeast got down 3-0, but goals by Sergio Aspas and Ewen Guillermo gave the Hawks a chance to steal a late draw.

The Reivers had outscored their first six opponents by a 20-3 margin prior to their tight victory over Northeast. It was the first time Iowa Western had surrendered at least two goals since the Reivers' 6-2 win over Coffeyville Community College on Nov. 15 of last year.

Northeast's two-goal tally marked only the sixth time in the past four seasons that Iowa Western has given up more than one goal in a game. Iowa Western hasn't allowed more than two goals in a game since the 2019 NJCAA National Tournament.

"The boys showed great heart, passion and fight against the best of the best today," Northeast Head Coach Adam Potter said. "Characteristics that are needed for us to get to where we want to be at the end of the year. We will grow and learn from this."

Northeast will look to get back on the winning track with a home match against Indian Hills Community College on Saturday in Norfolk.