Fumiya Shiraishi

Two overtime periods of play could not separate the Marshalltown Community College men’s soccer team and top-ranked Iowa Western CC on Thursdsay afternoon, resulting in a 1-1 draw — the Tigers’ second tie of the season.

It’s also the first time this year Iowa Western (8-0-1) has not won, including a 2-1 victory over the Tigers (5-3-2) earlier in the season.

Early in the first half, it certainly felt like the Reivers were well on their way to another win. A penalty kick scored by Vlad Jokic gave Iowa Western a 1-0 lead 15 minutes in — a lead the Reivers kept until the halftime break. Without a ton of pressure being put on the Iowa Western defense in the first 45, it was up to the Tigers to try and force the issue in the second 45.

Eight minutes in, the pressure paid off. A Fumiya Shiraishi shot, assisted by Seiya Zen, found the back of the net 53 minutes into the game. The forward’s goal tied the game at 1-1 — where it would stay until the final whistle of regulation. After not taking a single shot in the first half, the Tigers took four in the second half.

Marshalltown was again unable to get a shot off in the first overtime, but two of goalkeeper David Giraldo’s six saves kept the Reivers out. In the second overtime period, MCC took two shots but was unable to find the back of the net.

Up next for the Tigers is a Sunday afternoon road game against Iowa Central.