NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene men's soccer improved to 2-0 in GNAC play with a huge 1-0 win over Simon Fraser on Saturday.
How It Happened
- Simon Fraser has historically been an extremely strong GNAC team, and it showed early with much of the possession going SFU's way, as well as the visitors holding a 6-3 advantage in shots in the opening half.
- However, at halftime the Nighthawks were up 1-0, as in the 27th minute Lukas Juodkunaitis sent in a cross from a set piece on the near side and it was deflected off an SFU defender and into the net for an own goal.
- That score would prove to be the difference in the match, as NNU held SFU to just four shots in the second period to hold on for the win.
Nighthawks Notes
- The win marks the first time since Sept. 27, 2014 that the Nighthawks have defeated Simon Fraser in men's soccer. There have also been two draws since then, one in 2016 and one in 2017.
- After a 3-2 win over Western Washington on Thursday, NNU is now atop the GNAC standings at 2-0. This is the first time since 2018 that the Nighthawks have opened conference play with wins in their first two matches.
- Shots and corners ended up very even between the teams, with SFU holding slight advantages at 10-8 in shots and 4-3 in corners.
- Sawyer Price held very strong in front of the net, turning away all four SFU shots on goal for his fifth career shutout.
Up Next
The Nighthawks look to continue their momentum as they head out on the road, visiting Top-25 opponent Seattle Pacific on Oct. 7 and Montana State Billings on Oct. 9.
