BOX SCORE

EUGENE, Ore. – Just one minute after Corban College missed on a penalty kick attempted late in the game on Thursday evening, the Northwest Christian University men's soccer team scored their first goal in over 600 minutes, propelling the Beacons to a 1-0 victory, their first in Cascade Collegiate Conference play this season.

A physical defensive game remained scoreless for 85 minutes, but a determined NCU team finally broke through when Jacob Acedo collected an errant Corban pass in the box, slotted the ball to his left where Chris Senick was waiting to fire home the game winner.

Just 59 seconds earlier, Warrior defender Daniel Steffen was brought down in the goalie box on the other side of the field. The ensuing penalty kick attempt by Jared Rust sailed high over the crossbar, breathing new life into the Beacons, who had failed on four previous shots-on-goal in the second half.

“The guys really pulled it together tonight,” said Head Coach Chris Bolton. “Yesterday's practice was on the chalkboard, not on the field and I think it made all the difference. The guys realized the importance of every man doing his job, and if every person knew his role, we could pull out the win.”

The Beacons never would have had the opportunity to score a game-winner if not for the solid play in goal from Cuyler Ziegler, who had missed the two previous games with a concussion. Ziegler made seven saves for Northwest Christian and stopped countless other scoring opportunities by playing up on penetrating forwards and breaking up crossing passes from the outside.

Coach Bolton said, “Cuyler's presence in goal makes a huge difference for our team. [Backup keeper] Jared Frasier does a great job in goal, but the guys just feel more comfortable with Cuyler because of the experience and the leadership that he brings to the table. He's great at stopping one-on-one attacks and he did so successfully all night.”

Corban (4-9-1, 2-6 CCC) also had a solid performance from their keeper, Aaron Franklin, who had five saves, including four in the second half. Franklin made two leaping stops early in the second half on balls perfectly played to the top shelf.

Northwest Christian (2-10-1, 1-8 CCC) ended a seven-game losing streak, dating back to September 19th. The Beacons had been shutout in their previous 5 games, and tonight ended a school-record 607-minute scoreless streak.

NCU will be back in action next weekend, traveling to Washington for a pair of games against Northwest and The Evergreen State College, beginning on Friday, October 24th.