Box Score

TURLOCK, Calif. – Five times Thursday night, the Warriors tested Alfredo E. Ontiveros.
 

Alfredo E. Ontiveros" src="/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=14&image_path=/images/2014/9/5/Onti.jpg" />

All five times the Crusader goalkeeper was up to the challenge and he made history in the process as he led the Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team to a season-opening 2-0 victory over host Cal State Stanislaus in nonconference action.

"I'm really proud of the boys today," NNU head coach Coe Michaelson said after the victory.

With the five-save shutout, Ontiveros became the all-time leader in career shutouts in NNU men's soccer history with 10 total. The NNU senior netminder entered the season tied with Jeff Carr (1982-85) for the all-time record with nine shutouts.

Those five saves were made even bigger by the first goal each for new Crusaders Erik Anderson and Jaime Verdin, as they scored 4 minutes, 42 seconds apart in the first half to provide plenty of offense in NNU's season-opening win.
 

Erik Anderson (11) celebrateshis goal with Julio Castilloand Steve Garcia (9)" src="/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=14&image_path=/images/2014/9/5/Erik.jpg" />

Anderson netted the game-winner, booting home a loose ball in the Warriors goal box in the 24^th minute of action.

Verdin then took a long pass from Luke Broz, slipped behind the Cal State Stanislaus (0-1) defense and beat Warrior goalie Clint Long in the 28^th minute for the 2-0 lead.

"After a great first half we were probably a bit too conservation second half," Michaelson said as the Crusaders were outshot 6-0 in the final 45 minutes. "I can't recall many matches where we have defended that many set pieces, but we were fantastic defensively and really worked hard to earn that result."

Ontiveros made the lead hold up for the Crusaders (1-0), who were outshot 14-6 in the contest by the Warriors.

NNU now looks for another win in California as the Crusaders play at Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday to wrap up their season-opening road trip.

"It's a good place to start," Michaelson said of the opening win, adding, "and now we get recovered for Monterey Bay on Saturday." 

Thanks to Gabe Foo for action photos from Thursday's game. Click here to see more photos.