EUGENE, Ore. – The Concordia University men’s soccer team laid claim to the Cascade Collegiate Conference championship on Saturday, defeating Northwest Christian University, 2-1. The Cavaliers out-shot NCU 21-7 and held on despite a strong second-half charge by the Beacons.
Septi Danciu got the first goal across in the 37th minute, blasting a five-yard empty netter after a deflected cross from Tanner French. The Cavs made it 2-0 heading into the second half with another goal in the 42nd minute as Radcliffe McDougald scored, unassisted.
The Beacons, however, proved to be unrelenting in their final home game of the season, taking five shots in the second half and holding a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks. The team climbed back to within one goal in the 79th minute when a through ball from Nathan Ruter found Taylor Hough inside the box. A ten-yard strike past a diving Concordia keeper resulted in the 2-1 final score.
Scott Gross went the distance between the pipes for CU, making two saves. Erik Carrazco made four saves for the Beacons in the loss.
NCU (3-13-1, 1-11-1) will close out the season next Saturday, traveling to face Corban University. Concordia will end the regular season on Saturday when they travel to face Warner Pacific.