Men's soccer ends season with a fifth place finish

Mahmood Shehada willed the Wolves to victory as No. 7 Joliet Junior College beat No. 6 Northern Essex Community College, 3-0, to finish fifth place nationally.

The Wolves lost on Tuesday in their first-ever NJCAA Division III National Tournament appearance, placing the team into the consolation bracket for their final match of the year. After Tuesday's loss, coach Cris Trillo said the goal was to win the last one to cap a historic year for his program.

Shehada, a sophomore forward for the Wolves, recorded the hat trick for the Wolves. In the 28th minute, Shehada took a pass from fellow sophomore Adrian Gonzalez Martin to put the Wolves up, 1-0. He scored once more ten minutes later with help from Angel Casillas to extend the Wolves lead at the half. His final goal came unassisted in the 87th minute. 

In all, the Wolves racked up 17 shots with 11 on goal while goalkeeper Ivan Escatel saved all six shots he faced.

"The team played a solid game and demonstrated that we had the level to compete with the best in the country," Trillo said. "With this win, we finish fifth in the country. It's been an amazing journey with a great ending.

The Wolves finish the season with a season record of 12-6-2 and with the Region 4 and Midwest District championships.