PALATINE, Ill. - The Harper College men's soccer team once again showed they can play with the nation's elite after narrowly dropping a 2-0 decision to Anoka-Ramsey Community College, the ninth-ranked team in Division III.

Playing against a strong and quick Rams squad, the Hawks more than held their own.  Anoka-Ramsey got their first goal courtesy of a disputed call.  After making a save, goalkeeper Sean Cox (Schaumburg, Ill., Conant) looked downfield for a teammate to pass to.  But the referee ruled that Cox held onto the ball for too long and awarded the Rams a free quick and they converted, giving them a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.

Harper (3-10, 3-5 N4C) trailed 1-0 for the majority of the game and just couldn't muster up enough offense to pull even.  Anoka-Ramsey added an insurance tally in the 87th minute to set the final margin.  Cox finished with five saves.

The Hawks are done with their regular season and now have 11 days before the Region IV playoffs begin.  Harper will most likely face Joliet Junior College, whom they have lost to twice this season.