EUGENE, Ore. – A first-half goal couldn’t hold up and the Northwest Christian University men’s soccer team dropped their season opener on Friday afternoon to Carroll College, 2-1.
The Beacons got on the board in the 14th minute when Angel Sandoval collected a loose ball at the top of the box and fired a drop-kick that sailed past the keeper and into the net.
The 1-0 lead held up for the entire first half as the Beacons allowed just five shots to the Saints with no shots-on-goal.
The Saints finally got onto the board in the 71st minute as Jose Porras (pictured) scored on a rebound after a shot attempt by Eric Hollenbaugh was saved by NCU’s keeper.
The tie only lasted for 11 minutes before Carroll scored again, capitalizing on a man advantage thanks to an NCU red card in the 74th minute. Javi Navas sent a perfect pass to Isaac Bostrom which brought out the NCU keeper who was left vulnerable for the chip-in over the top. Bostrom’s was the game-winner and only the fourth shot-on-goal of the game for the Saints.
Carroll (3-3, 1-0 CCC) finished the night with an 8-6 advantage in shots in a game that saw 37 fouls called and six cautions issued.
The Beacons (4-2, 0-1) will get back at it on Saturday, playing host to the University of Great Falls. Opening kickoff for that game is scheduled for 2 p.m.