Box Score NAMPA, Idaho – The Northwest Nazarene University men's soccer team came into Saturday's game against No. 10 Simon Fraser knowing set pieces might play an important role.

That theory held true as the Nighthawks (6-6-3, 3-4-3 GNAC) scored twice off of free kicks in a 2-2 tie against the Clan in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference game at NNU Field.
Linus Mansson assisted both goals: one to Michael Bryant in the 7th minute and the other to Jake Levine in the 45th minute.

"We knew the difference in today's game could be set pieces and I thought we executed very well," NNU coach Joel DeLass said. "It was nice to finally see us score a couple and have one attacking set piece called back as we haven't been particularly good on those this season."

NNU appeared to score a third goal on a long free kick, but a foul was called negating the potential game-winner.

Mansson was sharp on his set pieces throughout. His second assist came on a pass from near midfield, and deep into the second half with the sun in the face of the Simon Fraser goalkeeper, he even attempted a shot from past the midfield line.

The defense was also sharp, stifling a strong Simon Fraser attack throughout. Goalkeeper Alex Basulto made 14 saves in his second start of the season and just third appearance overall.

"We came into the game wanting to eliminate the space behind, and keep Simon (Fraser) in front of our back line," DeLass said. "I felt like our backs did a great job keeping the game in front of them and for the most part, kept (them) out of dangerous areas.

"Our backs did a great job cutting out (Simon Fraser's) service into the box today."

Simon Fraser (10-2-3, 6-2-2) tied the game in the 11th minute on a goal from Connor Glennon and briefly took the lead on a goal from Magnus Kristensen in the 30th.

"Overall, it was a super gritty performance from the guys today," said DeLass, of his team's fourth consecutive overtime contest.

The chippy contest also featured six yellow cards, including four for NNU.

NNU closes out its conference season this week, hosting Concordia at 4 p.m. Thursday before traveling to Saint Martin's at 4 p.m. Saturday.