Godfrey, Ill. - The Illinois Central College men's soccer team captured the Region 24 championship in a 2-1 double overtime thriller over Lewis and Clark on Saturday in Godfrey.  The title was the program's 13th region championship in school history and advanced the Cougars to the upcoming district tournament.

"This was a gritty win by the guys," head coach Gabe Carreno said after the exciting win. "We've worked all season for this and it was great to see them come through in the clutch."

Lewis and Clark took an early 1-0 lead but the Cougars answered on an Antoni Plomer goal (assist Alex Garcia), knotting the score at 1-all.  Neither team was able to score during regulation so the game went to overtime and was decided by penalty kicks.

Penalty goals were scored by Cristian Bregu, Antoni Plomer, Eneko Casas and Giani Fink.  Goalkeeper Lucas Fontana saved one.

ICC (14-6) avenged two previous losses to LCCC, who finished their season at 8-6-1.

Up next:  The Cougars will now host the four-team Midwest District Tournament between NJCAA Regions IV, XI, XVI, and XXIV. 

ICC will play Malcolm X College out of Region IV on Friday, November 4 with the time TBA.   The Hawks were 12-0 winners over Kennedy King in their Region Championship on October 29 and have an overall record of 4-9-1.   The Midwest District Championship schedule appears below. 

Friday - November 4th , 2022  - Times TBD
Semifinal A: Indian Hills vs. Jefferson College 
Semifinal B: Illinois Central College vs. Malcolm X  

Sunday - November 6th , 2022 - Time TBD
Midwest District Championship: Semi Final "A" Winner - Semi Final "B" Winner.  Sunday's champion advances to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament on November 13-19 in Melbourne, FL.