Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Crusaders capped their season in gritty style Saturday on the road.

Now it's wait and see time.

The Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team erupted for a trio of goals in the final 45 minutes for a 3-1 comeback win over host Concordia in the regular-season finale for both Great Northwest Athletic Conference teams.

"Every match is unique and demands something different of you," NNU head men's soccer coach Coe Michaelson said. "We challenged the guys at halftime to fight and show some grit because tonight was a game, in difficult conditions, that we wouldn't win without those types of qualities.

"I'm so proud of how we answered the call," NNU's coach added of the comeback win. "It wasn't always pretty and it probably wasn't vintage NNU soccer, but it was full of heart and commitment and the guys put everything into it."

The only question left now for NNU (12-6-1 overall, 8-5-1 GNAC) is whether a long season filled with success will be rewarded with a berth to the NCAA National Tournament for the second straight year. The NCAA tournament selection show will be Monday at 4 p.m. (MT).

"Regardless of what happens on Monday, I'm so thankful to our seniors for what they've helped us achieve," Michaelson added. "They have taken our program to a new level and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. They've helped build something special."

The Crusaders managed to finish their season on the field on a high note, rallying from a 1-0 halftime deficit as Fernando Alvarez netted his fifth goal of the season with 10 minutes, 5 seconds gone in the second half — off a cross from Luke Broz — to even the score at 1-1.

Just 10:20 later, Alex Mitrovic blasted home a shot from 35 yards out, giving the Crusaders their first lead of the game.

Jaime Verdin then capped the strong NNU finish, putting away a cross from Erik Anderson with 11:30 to play.

Broz, Verdin and Anderson are a few of the Crusader seniors who have helped put the NNU program on the national map, along with All-American Julio Castillo, Graham Reid, Austin Thomas and Nathan Murphy.

All of whom have now played their final regular-season game — and depending on Monday's selection-show outcome — possibly their final collegiate game.

NNU goalkeeper Ryan Foo made three saves in the victory for the Crusaders.