Box Score
LACEY, Wash. – While the effort was more pleasing, the outcome still disappointed Crusaders coach Mary Trigg.
The Northwest Nazarene women's soccer team played tough late into the second half at St. Martin's before the Saints struck twice late, notching a 2-0 Great Northwest Athletic Conference win over the Crusaders on Saturday.
"We put up a better fight this game," Trigg said, disappointed with her team's intensity in a 4-0 loss Thursday at Western Oregon.
"It's something to build on, but we're still working on putting some pieces together," she added of Saturday's setback.
Kelli Bannerman broke the scoreless tie with 16 minutes, 15 seconds remaining, lifting the Saints (3-6-0 overall, 2-4-0 GNAC) to a 1-0 lead.
An injury to Crusader senior defender Katie Butler than proved costly Trigg added, as she left the game and St. Martin's was able to take advantage of her absence, icing the win in the 81st minute on an Abby McFaul goal.
Gina Cardenas made two saves to preserve the shutout for St. Martin's, while Argia Phillips stopped six shots for the Crusaders (1-7-1, 0-5-1), who next return home to host Montana State Billings on Thursday at 4 p.m.
