Box Score

REDDING, Calif. – Senior captain Alex Crossingham (pictured) scored on a penalty kick with just over two minutes to play, sending the Northwest Christian University men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night over Simpson University.

The Beacons out-shot the Red Hawks 24-20, holding a 7-6 edge in shots on goal. “We did a tremendous job maintaining possession of the ball tonight,” said head coach Brett Bentley. “Our midfielders were tireless and our backline was extremely organized. I anticipate those things to continue into Friday and as the season progresses.”

After a scoreless first half, sophomore Sam Eymann was the first on the board, scoring his first career goal in the 80th minute. Eymann received a pass at midfield and proceeded to take it all the way into the top of the box where he fired a shot into the lower right corner of the net.

With junior Nick Kratzke collecting five saves in goal, the Beacons looked well on their way to victory. A controversial call in the 83rd minute, however, awarded a penalty kick opportunity to Simpson. Michael Guzman punched home the ensuing PK to tie the score.

The Beacons were then awarded a penalty kick of their own just five minutes later, and Crossingham fired home the game-winner for his first of the season.

Northwest Christian University (1-0) will return to action on Friday when they face William Jessup at 1:00 pm. The Beacons are now riding a two-game winning streak, dating back to the season finale in 2010. It is the first back-to-back wins for the NCU men's soccer team since late in the 2008 season.