he goal is simple for the North Idaho College men's soccer team.

Win and they'll advance to the NJCAA tournament in two weeks.

Lose and the 2012 season is over.

NIC (6-6-3) faces Western Wyoming (13-8-1) on Friday in Rock Springs, Wyo., in a semifinal match in the West District Championship. Yavapai (21-2) and Northwest College of Powell, Wyo., will play in the first semifinal.

Both winners advance to the NJCAA tournament at Darton State College in Albany, Ga., Nov. 12 to 17.

"We're excited for the opportunity," NIC men's coach Ken Thompson said. "We feel really good about Friday. For now, we're focused on eating, sleeping, training and studying as much as possible at the hotel for the next few days."

Western Wyoming defeated NIC 4-0 in the Cardinals' first match of the season at Rock Springs.

"They're a team that handled us very well early in the year," Thompson said. "We tried a couple different things and didn't find some combinations that could minimize their chances."

NIC has won its last two matches.

"I think we're coming in under the radar," Thompson said. "They beat us 4-0, but two of their goals they got through the back line. Lately, we've given up fewer and fewer goals through our back line. Our chemistry has gotten better and we're more productive with our passing. We've started creating more opportunities and it seems like each week we were coming together better and better.”

NIC had 12 shots on goal in the previous matchup, compared to 10 by Western Wyoming.

“We need to make sure we capitalize on our chances,” Thompson said. “Attack-wise, we’re more dangerous than we were in the first game. We saw some things that didn’t work and don’t do them anymore. I feel like we’re a different team and we’ve got a really good ability to play the game.”

WOMEN: NIC (9-3-2) plays 10th-ranked Laramie County (11-2-0) on Friday at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo., with the winner moving on to the District B championship match on Saturday and an opportunity for a berth to the NJCAA tournament.

“We don’t know much about them,” NIC women’s coach Dan Hogan said. “They’re ranked and a team we played last year and those girls that played against them last year know it will be a tough match.”

NIC beat Laramie County 2-0 in Cheyenne, Wyo., last season.

“I think we’ve got better midfield play this year,” Hogan said. “We’re just a different team than last year. We play with a little more possession and waiting, where last year, we had more speed and play the ball in faster. This year, we’re a little more patient and will wait to find a good ball to get in behind the defense.”

Otero (14-1) and Western Wyoming will play in the other semifinal, with Friday’s winners facing off on Saturday for the lone berth to nationals in Melbourne, Fla. Nov. 12-17.

Hogan added the team is completely healthy entering the tournament, with the exception of one starter.

“I think the girls are ready to go,” Hogan said. “Audrianna Woods isn’t feeling well right now, but we’re hoping that goes away by Friday. Everyone else is ready to go and we’re excited to be here.”