TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Newman Men's Soccer traveled to Tahlequah to take on the 24th ranked Northeastern State RiverHawks. Saturday's match had direct playoff implications as both teams are jockeying for postseason berths. NSU took the advantage 3-2, completing a season sweep on the Jets.

Soccer teams in the Midwest have enjoyed a balmy fall to this point. With November on the horizon next week, that has changed quickly. Torrential down pours and drops in temperatures of nearly 40 degrees created the perfect "storm" for a contested rematch between NSU and the Jets.

After taking the first match 1-0 in Wichita earlier this month, it was NSU's turn to host. The RiverHawks' pitch was deemed unplayable in the early morning hours with continuing weather systems in the area. The game was pushed back 90 minutes and moved to Gable Field, an artificial surface that plays home to NSU's football team.

NSU played as if they were shot out of a cannon early on. Scoring quickly in the first half just after the 10 minute mark, NSU maintained their lead throughout the half, add to it in the 27th minute.

To start the second half, it appeared the field had shifted before the RiverHawks tallied another to take command 3-0. Less than 2 minutes later, Alberto Romano got the Jets on the board with his sixth of the season from Felix Tellez Ramirez.

Newman did not lack opportunities in the second half, sending nine shots toward the RiverHawks Goalkeeper. Just one shot from Carlos Bellosta Manchon was on frame and that shot found the back of the net making the game 3-2 in the 76th minute. The goal is Bellosta's 10th, a program best since Ed Jabbari score the same total in 2019.

The equalizing goal evaded the Jets as #24 NSU walked away with a crucial result 3-2. The result has elimnated the Jets from postseason competition. As for what's ahead, Newman heads to Rogers State on Thursday before closing out the regular season versus Southern Nazarene.