PORTLAND, Ore. – Mirza Ramic’s goal in the 22nd minute served as the only score of the match as Concordia defeated Northwest University 1-0 in a Cascade Collegiate Conference men’s soccer match on a rainy Saturday night at PCC Rock Creek.

The win improves Concordia’s record to 13-2-0 overall and 10-1-0 in the CCC. Northwest drops to 8-7-0 overall and 5-6-0 in conference play.

Ramic (Banja Luka, Bosnia/Prairie H.S.) scored the contest’s only goal at 21:20 off a pass from Jared Brace (Vancouver, Wash./Columbia River H.S.) right in front of the net and knocked it to the left of Northwest goalkeeper Joe Galbraith (Whitefish, Mont./Whitefish H.S.).

“I was encouraged by the team’s persistence tonight,” CU head coach Dan Birkey said. “Winning even though it doesn’t appear to be your night is a great quality.”

The Eagles’ best chance came late in the first half on a penalty kick by Luke Fischer in the 39th minute, but Concordia keeper Claudio Lazar (Ploiesti, Romania/Minai Viteazul H.S.) dove to his right to deflect the shot away from the net. Northwest had another chance on the deflection, but Lazar deflected that attempt as well.

The shot totals were relatively even between the two teams in the first period, as the Cavs went into halftime with a 7-5 advantage. Concordia’s offense outshot Northwest 14-5 in the second half. NU’s Joe Galbraith tallied four saves while taking the loss while playing the full contest in goal for the Eagles. Lazar also finished with four saves with al four occurring in the second half.

With the victory, Birkey became the 15th NAIA men’s soccer coach to attain 300 career victories.

“It’s a milestone to get the 300th Concordia win,” Birkey said. “I can’t help but think of all the guys over the years that have believed in Concordia soccer, put in the hard work and remain dedicated to this program.  Concordia has given me the opportunity to learn and grow, and that’s what I, in turn, am dedicated to give to these guys. I have so many great memories and so many great people to thank.”

Concordia returns to action Oct. 29, when the Cavaliers visit Warner Pacific in a CCC match scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Northwest’s next contest is Oct. 29, 3 p.m. against Northwest Christian in Eugene, Ore.