The No. 2 Marshalltown Community College soccer team dropped its first game of the season to Illinois Central CC 2-1 on Friday.

After a scoreless first half, the Cougars pulled away with back-to-back goals in the 57th and 64th minutes of play.

The Tigers were able to answer quickly in the 67th minute as Guilherme Pereira scored to cut the deficit to 2-1 on an assist from Kazuki Kimura.

Despite the Tigers’ effort, Illinois Central’s (4-2-1) goalkeeper stopped six of seven shots on goal while MCC goalkeeper Matteo Crescente stopped three.

The Cougars, though not ranked, appeared in the NJCAA’s preseason soccer poll at No. 13.

MCC (3-1) will stay on the road and play today at noon against Prairie State College (4-2-1).