GREAT FALLS, Ore.  – For the second straight match, the Bushnell men's soccer team was able to make a 2-0 lead hold on as they escaped with a victory over the University of Providence on Friday, 2-1.
 
Head Coach Joao Ehlers said, "I am very proud of the effort the boy put forth today. It was a tough game that required a lot of energy and intensity from our guys.
 
The Beacons (6-2-1) out-shot Providence 12-11 in the game and capitalized on two strong second-half scoring opportunities in the win, the first of which coming on a beautiful play from Omar Barajas. After missing the previous five games and nearly a month of action, Bushnell's all-time leader in assists returned to the pitch on Friday and quickly provided his third dime of the season.
 
Barajas penetrated the box, taking the ball all the way to the goal line before sending a cross into the box. UP's keeper attempted to make a play on the ball, but was unsuccessful and the ball found the feet of freshman Brady Housley who tapped in an empty netter.
 
Housley (pictured) provided the fireworks on the next goal for the Beacons in similar fashion. In the 70th minute, Javier Gutierrez made an impressive 25-yard throw-in, leading Housley down the right sideline. The Forward used some fancy footwork to keep possession of the ball, sliding into the box where he beat a second defender and sliced a perfect ball into the goal mouth, through two more defenders to Francisco Cayolla who one-timed a strike into the left side of the net for the eventual game-winner.
 
"Brady has contributed a lot so far," said Ehlers. "He has a great physical presence and is able to hold the ball very well like he showed today. It is great to see him playing so well and creating a lot of opportunities for us."
 
Down 2-0, the Argos wouldn't relent and finally scored their only goal of the game in the 85th minute on a strong left-to-right shot inside the box from Tomeu Nebot-Schmalfe that found the corner of the net.
 
Bushnell's defense held steadfast for the final moments to escape with their sixth victory of the season, matching their highest win total in seven years.
 
The Beacons prepare for another test on Saturday at 8:00 pm Mountain Time when they set their sights on Carroll College (6-1-2, 5-0). The first-place Saints defeated Corban on Friday, 2-0, and haven't allowed a goal in seven straight games.