Cascade Defeats Northwest In Program's Final Home Game
BOX SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Cascade College men’s soccer team won their first post-season game since 2001 with a shootout win over Northwest University today at Williams & Smith Field. For the Thunderbirds it is a bittersweet win, as the players know that each game could be their last in a Cascade uniform. The team was informed last Monday that their school would be closing down at the end of the spring semester, and the team is now playing to extend their season and the program’s life for a little while longer.
NU got on the board first, as a Cascade defender mistakenly headed a ball into his own net on a failed clearance attempt at the 24:40 mark of the first half. The visiting Eagles were the aggressors in the period, earning 3 corner kicks and limiting the T-Birds offensive chances.
Cascade stepped up their play in the second half, and finally broke through a disciplined NU back line with a Fernando Montiel goal after a long service from Nic Martinez. Two overtime periods were played to a deadlock, with Northwest nearly claiming the win on a Wilbur Velasco drive that went just wide in the first OT.
In the shootout that ensued, T-Bird head coach Mike Alfers decided to put backup keeper Nic Martinez between the pipes. The choice would prove wise as the teams matched each other for the first 3 tries until NU’s Brandon Screen sent his attempt wide left. Starting T-Bird goalkeeper Efrain Vargas was called for the final try and buried the ball left post to send the large crowd into a frenzy.
Cascade will now take CCC North Division champion Concordia in a semifinal matchup on Wednesday, November 5th at 2:30pm. The game will be held at the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Complex.