It has been a difficult year for the Iowa Central men’s soccer team.

But through it all, the Tritons have continued to compete and play hard for head coach Pablo Rodriguez.

That was never more evident than here on Sunday at Rogers Sports Complex, as Iowa Central pushed Marshalltown for 90 minutes before falling on sophomore day, 5-3.

Two goals by Lucas Hazi Pollacchi and another from Bakari Mtende gave the Tritons a chance, but the Tigers responded to thwart their attempts.

“We’ve had to really come together as a team this season,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve been dealt our share of challenges, but the guys continue to battle out there. We’ve had some troubles putting it together and having a complete match, but I am hopeful we can do that when it really matters in the postseason.”

Marshalltown jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Pollacchi found the back of the net. He added his second goal with 19 minutes remaining before the Tigers answered back with two more goals of their own.

Mtende notched a goal with eight minutes to go for the final result.

“I continue to see a lot of improvement,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve just got to continue working towards becoming a complete team. In this region, with the types of teams we play, you can’t make any mistakes. You’ve really got to be mentally tough all 90 minutes.”

The Tritons honored sophomores Prince Bagabo, Danijel Bozic, Guadalupe Estrada, Jaheem Hayles, Pollacchi, Kouadio Koffi, Fernando Meza and Recardo Wleh.

Iowa Central concludes the regular season Saturday at Indian Hills before beginning Region XI Tournament play.