West Burlington, IA - Three years ago, Southeastern Community College developed its soccer program. This week, the young team competed for the first time at NJCAA Division II National Championship.

After four intense games in five days, the men's soccer team brought home the national championship from the Stryker Complex in Wichita, Kansas.

"When we first began the soccer program, I had confidence that I could build a team that would land at the national championship," Head Coach Zac Newton said. "I didn't expect that it would happen so soon."

He said they found the right players, created the right foundation, and that's what led to this week's success.

The eighth-ranked Blackhawks won against the second-ranked CCBC Essex Knights, and it wasn't an easy game.

CCBC Essex (11-2) got on the scoreboard first on a goal by Takeroh Murakawa in the 26th minute.

SCC (17-2-1) got the tied in the 32nd minute when Bart Muns scored on a pass from Jair Arita.

The Knights took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Andy Portillo scored in the 42nd minute.

"As the game progressed, the guys knew they could win," Newton said.

The game went into overtime and that's when Guilherme Cunha's goal gave the Blackhawks a 3-2 win over CCBC Essex.

"Getting to this point took a lot of hard work and preparation, with a strong focus on recovery," Newton said.

This win came after an incredibly difficult season. The pandemic forced college soccer to push their games to spring, resulting in 36 games within 38 days.

"The players had to be very mindful of the choices they made outside of soccer," Newton explained. "They needed to follow CDC guidelines and take precautions so the team could move forward."

Following such a trying season, Newton had great hopes that the Blackhawks would end on a high note.

"This year took an emotional toll on us. With all of the ups and downs that the team has gone through, I thought something good has to happen," Newton said. "I was over the moon when we got that win."