Thunderducks Capture NJCAA DIII Midwest District Title

PALATINE, Ill. – Dallas College Richland's No. 1-ranked men's soccer team beat Harper College, 4-0, Saturday to win the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Midwest District championship.

The Thunderducks (13-0-1) punched their ticket back to the national tournament – the opportunity to repeat as national champs tucked inside their suitcases.

This is what it feels like to win an @NJCAA_Soccer DIII Midwest District title. On to the @NJCAA_Soccer Championships for a crack at a 5th straight crown.#NJCAA | #PostseasonSoccer | #DallasCollegeProud | #RichlandThunderducks pic.twitter.com/mXEjNcHG5x

— Richland Thunderducks (@RichlandTducks) October 31, 2022

Enzo Nogue cashed in on a setup from Jonathan Gallardo in the 24^th minute in what turned out to be the gamewinning goal. Diby Ulrich added a goal nine minutes later to send Richland into the halftime intermission ahead, 2-0.

Saimon Gjeci tacked on a third goal in the 72^nd minute on an assist from Ulrich. Felipe Garcia scored the final goal in the 85^th minute.

Richland goalkeeper Lorenzo Rovei made two saves in the shutout. The Thunderducks have posted three straight clean sheets, including Friday's district semifinal win over Madison College.

The Thunderducks scored all four of their goals in the first half during the semifinal win. Felipe Escorcia picked up the gamewinner in the 34^th minute. Byron Aguilar struck again a little over four minutes later when Gallardo connected with him to push the lead to 2-0.

Samuele Muroni made it 3-0 in the 42^nd minute on another assist by Gallardo. Nogue cashed in for the final goal Friday.

Richland keeper Rodrigo Artiga earned the win without having to face a shot on goal. Madison's Phil McCloskey stopped 13 of the Thunderducks' 17 shots on frame.

Richland outshot Madison, 19-2.

The Thunderducks will have the opportunity to defend their national title Nov. 9-13 at Genesee Community College in Batavia, N.Y.