Box Score
NAMPA, Idaho – With 45 seconds left, the Crusaders found a way.
Fredy Razo booted home the rebound of his own shot in the final minute of regulation as the Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team overcame a first-half letdown to earn a 2-2 draw with Seattle Pacific on Thursday.
"We were fantastic second half and the equalizer was no less than we deserved," said NNU coach Coe Michaelson.
The Crusaders (3-3-5 overall, 3-2-3 GNAC) dominated the second half, outshooting the Falcons 10-4, a turnaround from the first half that saw NNU scored first then squandered that early lead.
Emmett Demirelli put home a loose ball following a corner kick with 12:58 gone off the clock, putting NNU in front, 1-0, early.
"In particular, I thought Emmett was fantastic in midfield today," Michaelson said.
The Falcons (7-1-3, 5-0-3) – who have not lost since their season opener on Sept. 7 – responded with a goal by Jordan Thompson in the 29th minute and one by Taylor Backous in the 35th minute.
"First half we came off the field very disappointed," said Michaelson. "We started well, but then gave away a bad goal and tanked for about 15 minutes.
"But the response was fantastic and I couldn't have asked for more," NNU's coach added.
The response was a strong second-half effort that nearly went for naughty until Razo fired a ball off the crossbar, got to his own rebound and booted it home for his ninth goal of the season.
From there, neither team scored in overtime as both squads settled for the hard-fought draw.
Foo finished with three saves in goal in the tie for the Crusaders, while Cody Lang made five saves for SPU.
NNU next returns to the field Saturday when it hosts Saint Martin's at 3 p.m.
