The men’s soccer team has steadily built a strong record this year, boasting a .727 winning percentage.

As of press time, the team holds an 8-3 record, the best since IVCC began offering the sport in 2017-18.

Sophomore midfielders Pumi Maphumulo and Bayron Cruz lead the team in goals with 19 and 13 respectively.

Freshman midfielder Bryan Fuentes from Spring Valley has contributed five goals while freshman forward Marc Philavanh has added four.

For Maphumulo, who is from South Africa, this season is especially sweet since he was in South Africa for all of the 2020-21 academic year, after IVCC canceled in person classes in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“It feels really good to be back especially for me since I had to go home back in 2020 and had a long time away due to Covid-19, making it hard for me to come back and play,” Maphumulo said. “I was not able to play last year but I’m definitely excited to be back this year.”

Maphumulo said the team’s attitude and coaching have contributed to IVCC soccer’s turnaround.

“We have been really good in sharing a winning mentality as a well as that belief that we are the best,” he said.

“Our schedule has been pretty tough so far with so many games being played in a short space of time, but, once again, the boys have taken that challenge with no complaints and just worked hard to produce the results we need and believe we deserved.

“Having a good coach has also been vital for us,” he added.

The Eagles return to action at home at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 vs. Rock Valley College. The Eagles play their home contests at La Salle’s Rotary Park.

After that game, spectators have one more chance to catch the Eagles at home on Oct. 2.