OTTUMWA, IA – It's been a similar refrain heard from Indian Hills Head Men's Soccer coach James Ross in his first season at the helm of the Warriors.

Wasted opportunities.

Whether it's been not being able to capitalize on chances to knock off some of the nation's best, or delivering the knock out blow to an inferior opponent, Ross has repeatedly lamented his team's inability to score more often when golden opportunities present themselves.

That issue popped up again on Monday afternoon at IHCC Field as the Warriors held a huge 18-3 advantage with shots on goal over the visitors from John Wood Community College, yet Ross' squad was only able to manage a 2-1 victory.

"When you get 18 chances a game and only score two goals, at some point being that wasteful comes back to bite you," Ross said.  "We're getting point blank opportunities in front of the goal and not converting.  In my opinion, if we stop being so wasteful in front of the goal, I think we can make a lot of noise."

One opportunity that wasn't lost came in the 29^th minute as freshman midfielder Seba Hererra put the Warriors on the board first after heading in a free kick from Shogo Koike to put IHCC up 1-0.  That score remained until eight minutes into the second half when Shogo Tobase bested John Wood goalkeeper Isaac Adnitt to give the Warriors a 2-0 advantage.

The Blazers would get back in the contest despite their paltry shot total in the 69^th minute as Winter Casseus pulled John Wood (0-3) to within a goal putting the Warriors in a position to have to fend of the winless visitors from Illinois until the final minute.

"John Wood got one shot in the second half, and it turns into a goal," Ross said.  "I'm not making excuses, but we've just got to keep going and we have to start putting the ball away early.  If we go up two or three goals early, that's when the game can get away from your opponent."

Monday's result provided the Warriors their first home victory and moved IHCC over the .500 mark to 4-3-2 overall.  The Warriors will jump back into ICCAC play Tuesday with in a rematch with Marshalltown.  The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw back on April 15 in Ottumwa.

MEN'S SOCCER

Indian Hills 2, John Wood 1
Scoring Summary

Period          Time  Team Play                                                V-H

1^st                 28:14  IH     Seba Hererra (from Shogo Koike)     0-1

2^nd                53:30  IH      Shogo Tobase (unassisted)              0-2

2^nd                68:45  JW     Winter Casseus (unassisted)            1-2