Box Score

NAMPA, Idaho — They've injected a new air of excitement into the Northwest Nazarene campus and lifted NNU men's soccer to a new level of excellence.

Saturday, the Crusader fans had a chance to thank seniors Daniel Day, Alfredo E. Ontiveros, Juan Perez and Fredy Razo for their accomplishments during "Senior Day" at Finkbeiner Park on the NNU campus.

After a brief pre-game ceremony, those seniors and their NNU teammates showed the level that the Crusaders have achieved, rolling to a 4-1 win over St. Martin's in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.

"We played really well today across the whole team," NNU head men's soccer coach Coe Michaelson said, adding, "but most of all, today is all about the four seniors. They've meant so much to our program."

They continued to have an impact Saturday as Razo had a goal, Perez added an assist and Ontiveros came within one second of his 18^th career shutout.

While they had an impact, the rest of the Crusader team (13-3-1 overall, 12-1 GNAC) made sure the seniors final home game was a sweet memory, too, as Erik Anderson scored his first of two goals 22 minutes, 13 seconds into the game off an assist from Rene Duevel.

Anderson made it 2-0 15:54 later, putting home a ball off assists from Steven Garcia and Luke Broz, then Michael Mollay made it 3-0 with 3:45 left to halftime, scoring off Perez's assist.

Razo then got to cap "Senior Day," scoring in the 75^th minute of a Garcia assist for a commanding 4-0 lead.

Ontiveros did his part in goal, too, making four saves — none bigger than a diving stop with 30 minutes remaining in the game on Jake Zimmer.

The only blemish on an otherwise perfect day — not withstanding the constant rain, wind and 40-degree temperatures — was a goal by Kyle Witzel for the Saints with 1 second remaining on the game clock, which spoiled the shutout.

Otherwise, a perfect send-off for Day, Ontiveros, Razo and Perez.

"They have played a massive role in lifting us to a new level and setting a new standard," Michaelson said. "And I think there is still more to come in terms of that standard as we gear up for the postseason, because we know that on our day we can beat anyone in the nation."

There's one more stop on the road before the postseason, a regular-season finale at Montana State Billings next Saturday.

Then the Crusaders will gather at the Johnson Sports Center in the Ferdinand Suite on Monday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. to watch the NCAA Division II National Tournament Selection Show, as NNU hopes to hear its named called and earn a first-ever berth to nationals.