Boxscore

NAMPA, Idaho - The Saint Martin's University men's soccer team found the net on two of their three shots on goal, giving the Saints a 2-1 victory over Northwest Nazarene University on Saturday afternoon in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference match in Nampa.

 

The Saints (11-6-0, 6-1-0 GNAC) jumped out to a quick start, scoring in the second minute of play when Ruben Orozco found the left foot of Connor Biggs, who blasted a shot inside the far post to his right for his fifth goal of the season.

 

However, the Crusaders (5-10-1, 0-6-1 GNAC) battled back and controlled the pace of the match throughout the afternoon, evening the score in the 59th minute when Nate Hamm nodded home a Sal Sanchez corner. 

 

The Crusaders out-shot the Saints 14 to 9 and forced SMU goalkeeper Zac Lubin into eight saves, while NNU keeper Cesar Lira made only one save on the day.

 

SMU notched the game-winner in the 75th minute when Vlad Voin scored an unassisted goal after collecting the ball on the left side and sent home a 20-yard shot inside the far post midway up the net.  It was Voin's third goal of the year.

 

"Their keeper (Lubin) really played well today," commented NNU head coach Coe Michaelson.  "We had numerous chances to get this one, but some days they just don't go in."

 

The Crusaders will finish the 2009 season on the road next weekend, traveling to Seattle Pacific University next Saturday for 7:00 p.m. kickoff against the Falcons.