PORTLAND, Ore. - The Northwest Christian University men's soccer team dropped a heartbreaker in their Cascade Collegiate Conference opener on Thursday, falling in overtime to Warner Pacific, 2-1.
After trading barbs over the opening minutes it was the Knights to break through first, scoring in the tenth minute when Mario Guizar scored a straight shot from ten yards away.
The Beacons responded quickly, completing the equalizer less than a minute later.
Sergio Maldonado (pictured) penetrated deep into the box and was fouled. He punched home the ensuing penalty kick for the equalizer.
Warner Pacific controlled the pace for most of the next 80 minute of regulation,
Bren Bletscher made a trio of saves in the first half and the NCU defense held firm after the break despite facing an 8-2 deficit in shots.
NCU had the best chance of regulation when, in the final minutes,
Steve Jusko nicked a header that sailed just inches wide of the goal to the left.
But it was the Knights who would jump to 1-0 in the CCC as Guizar scored for the second time, hitting the golden goal in the 98th minute with a header into the corner.
In all, Warner Pacific out-shot the Beacons 17-7, forcing Bletscher into seven saves.
Angel Sandoval led NCU with three shot attempts.
Northwest Christian (1-2-1, 0-1 CCC) will be back in action on Saturday when they host defending CCC champion Corban University in a conference match at Mike Kelly Field. Kickoff will take place at 5 p.m.
