Cavs Continue CCC Shutout Streak vs. Northwest
PORTLAND.—Playing to a standstill for nearly 70 minutes, a Joey Graham rocket and an Alex Ponce header in the second period provided enough scoring to boost the Concordia University men’s soccer team past Northwest University 2-0 in Cascade Collegiate Conference men’s soccer action.
With the win Concordia improved to 5-2-0 on the season and a perfect 3-0-0 in conference play. Northwest dropped to 3-2-0 with the result.
In the 69th minute, Graham (Pasco, Wash.) hit a line-drive shot from 35 yards out and into the upper left of the net to give the Cavaliers a 1-0 lead with his team-leading fourth goal of the season.
A late arrival in the first period, a fresh Alex Ponce (Hood River, Ore.) placed the second Concordia ball into the opponent net via a header following a cross by teammate Bent Jenson (Beaverton, Ore.).
“Our attack was creative and patient,” Concordia head coach Dan Birkey said. “We certainly felt that there were goals coming even after a dry first half. In the end a real beauty by Joey Graham solved that problem for us.”
Garrett Staples (Eugene, Ore.) played the full 90 minutes in goal for the Cavaliers, denying two shots to preserve the team’s third straight conference shutout. Concordia has outscored its three CCC foes by a combined score of 10-0.
“Today we had a well-rounded performance,” Birkey said. “The boys were defensively strong and sturdy throughout. Lucas Egenwall set the tone by working past an injury which allowed personnel consistency in the back line, and Tyler Doty stepped his game up in centerfield in the second half which really made us look smarter.”
Concordia outshot the Eagles 19-2 and held a 4-0 advantage in corner kick opportunities. Concordia will next take the field at Corban College in Salem, Ore., on Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
“We are finding a good form in this early conference run,” Birkey said. “There are still edges to smooth off, but I am pleased with the quality the boys have been demanding of themselves.”