PALATINE, Ill. – Playing a player down the entire game, the Harper College women's soccer team pulled even with Moraine Valley at halftime but was unable come away with the victory as they lost 4-2 on Monday afternoon in Palatine.

After the game was delayed almost an hour, the two sides wasted little time in getting the action started.  Bree Nishibun (Palatine, Ill., Fremd) scored on a header in the sixth minute to quickly put the Hawks in front.  But the Cyclones had the answer just four minutes later with a goal to tie the game at 1-1.  Moraine Valley added to their lead in the 23^rd minute to take the lead.  Harper then evened the score on a spectacular play by Nishibun and Chloe Takala (Hoffman Estates, Ill., Fremd) in the 39^th minute.  Nishibun dribbled up the right sideline and crossed the ball into the box.  It was a perfect pass that found the leg of Takala, who finished off the play by finding the back of the net.  Moraine Valley tacked on two goals in the second half to set the final margin.

Being at a disadvantage, the Harper backline faced a relentless Cyclone attack the entire game.   Hawk goalkeeper Elyce Dye (Arlington Heights, Ill., Hersey) had to make diving stops in the 15^th, 17^th, and 37^th minutes to keep the team in the game.  Moraine Valley loaded up the box in the 12^th minute but Harper was able to fend off the attack, and in the 53^rd minute, Dye made a terrific play on a breakaway to not allow a Cyclone goal. 

“I think that we are playing a lot better,” said head coach Dwayne Cruz.  “Playing a man down and doing well against Moraine Valley is good for us.  Come October 25^th when the playoffs, I think we're going to be ready.  We are looking better and better every day.  With everyone fit and ready to go in three weeks, it's going to be on.  It's going to be a surprise."

Harper hits the pitch again Wednesday at Joliet.  The Hawks fell 3-2 to the Wolves on September 14^th in Palatine.  The match is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM.