EUGENE, Ore.  – The Benny Flores era began in earnest on Thursday night and while the result was not what the team was looking for, it was clear to anyone in attendance that things have shifted in a positive direction for the NCU men's soccer program. Evergreen took the win in the non-conference contest, 3-1 scoring twice in the final 13 minutes.
 
Flores said, "Overall, I was pleased with the way we played. Starting off with a quality opponent like Evergreen definitely provided some challenges. We played good at times and bad at others, but it is a solid stepping stone to hopefully a great season."
 
It was also Evergreen who scored first, posting the first netter of the season in the 29th minute when Tom Kemennu tapped in an empty-net goal after a deflected strike from Ryan Porch. The teams took the 1-0 lead into halftime.
 
NCU was outshot 23-5 in the game and had just two shot attempts in the second half, but they were still able to make good on one, scoring the equalizer in the 59th minute. A takeaway at midfield led to a quick transition play for the Beacons. Victor Irechukwu fed a pass to Joey Garcia from 40 yards and Garcia put a one-touch through ball straight ahead to Sergio Maldonado (pictured). Maldonado was left alone with the keeper and fired home the score.
 
"The way we scored that goal is the way that we hope to play for 90 minutes," said Coach Flores. "We passed and moved and connected in the box and Sergio made a great play to put it away."
 
The knotted scoreboard remained for nearly 20 minutes before Evergreen secured the game-winner. A long throw-in from Kemennu from near the goal line sailed over the far side of the net and found the feet of Connor Beck. Beck flicked the ball on to Porch he drilled a one-timer of his own into the opposite corner of the net.
 
Evergreen went on to add one more score in the 89th minute when Tanner Williams found Willie Spurr for a five-yard blast into the top of the nylon.
 
Evergreen begins their season 1-0. NCU moves to 1-1, having earned a forfeit victory from last week's scheduled game with Trinity Lutheran College.
 
The Beacons will return to the pitch on Saturday when they travel to face Pacific University at 7:00 p.m.