No. 9 Lincoln heads to No. 5 Norwalk with winning streaks on the line
Thursday’s match at Norwalk brings together Class 3A’s #5 Norwalk Warriors and Class 4A's #9 Des Moines Lincoln in a matchup that carries clear postseason implications. Lincoln enters at 5-1-2 and has won two straight, while the Warriors are 7-3 and riding a four-match winning streak. For the Rails, the road test is a chance to strengthen a playoff resume that already includes one win over a ranked opponent and potentially add a second.
There is also recent history in the fixture. Lincoln has had the upper hand in the last two meetings with Norwalk, adding another layer to what already looks like one of the stronger matchups on the schedule. With both teams in form and both ranked, the game is expected to feature the kind of sharp, high-level soccer that often turns on control in midfield, defensive discipline and a small number of chances in front of goal.
That makes junior Meva Dacoury one of the central players to watch for Lincoln. Dacoury has been a major piece in the Rails midfield this season, and his performance in the last match against Ames was described as electric and game-changing. If Lincoln is going to manage tempo and handle Norwalk’s pressure on the road, Dacoury’s work connecting the lines and winning key moments in the middle of the field figures to be a major storyline.
Lincoln also could get an important boost from incoming junior transfer Shukuru Mfaume, who is expected to make his season debut. Coach Joe Sithonnorath called Mfaume “A swiss army knife that we can play anywhere on the field,” a description that points to the flexibility Lincoln may need against a tough Norwalk squad. Whether that role comes in the back line or elsewhere, his availability gives the Rails another option as they try to match Norwalk’s form and depth.
Up front, senior Brandon Hernandez-Contreras gives Lincoln a proven finishing threat entering the night on a three-game goal-scoring streak. His form, paired with Lincoln’s recent momentum, is a major reason the Rails arrive with confidence despite the challenge of the road setting. A third straight win would do more than extend the streak. It would give Lincoln another statement result against a ranked team and strengthen the case the Rails are building for postseason seeding.
