FULTON - Although a 4-1 loss at Itawamba was certainly the last thing Northwest wanted on Friday afternoon, the result did little to dampen a significant milestone.

With Friday's 1-1 draw between Holmes and East Central, coach Mark Hogan clinched the first playoff appearance in five years for the Northwest men's soccer program, checking another box in the Rangers' rebuilding process.

Northwest will be the No. 3 seed from the MACCC North Division, traveling to the No. 2 seed in the South Division on Tuesday, November 2. That opponent has yet to be determined.

As for the match itself, Itawamba scored three goals in the first half before Jesus Villegas responded less than a minute into the second half, cutting the Indians' lead to 3-1. That would be the only score of the match for the Rangers though, as Jose Villanueva scored in the 68th minute to return ICC to a three-goal advantage.

Xzavier Paylor earned 11 saves for the Rangers in the loss.

Northwest (3-10-1, 3-4 division) will host Holmes on Tuesday, October 26 for the 2021 home finale. The Rangers will also take part in Sophomore Day ceremonies prior to the start of the match, which is scheduled for a 3 P.M. first kick.

Live coverage of the match can be found on Ranger TV (nwccrangers.com/watch).