NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene men's soccer earned an important three points with a 4-3 victory over Saint Martin's on Thursday night.
With the win, the Nighthawks improve to 6-5-4 overall and 3-3-2 in GNAC play, moving up into a tie for third place with Western Oregon at 11 points apiece. Only three teams qualify for the inaugural GNAC Men's Soccer Championships in a couple of weeks.
Derek Johnson got the scoring started almost immediately, taking a beautiful long cross from
Jorge Gonzalez just 102 seconds into the game and slotting it into the back of the net.
Derek Remen added to the lead in the 12
th minute, tapping home a cross from
Rylan McPherson. The Saints answered just over a minute later, though, scoring off a free kick to make it 2-1.
One more goal would come before halftime, as NNU extended their lead to 3-1 in the 29
th minute.
Derek Johnson sent a cross in from the far side, which
Carson Din one-timed across the face of the goal to a waiting
Caleb Putney for the score.
SMU cut the lead to one in the 62
nd minute, earning and converting a penalty.
NNU's Remen would then add his second goal of the game in the 74
th minute, which proved to be crucial as the Saints scored again just 43 seconds after that to make it 4-3.
The Nighthawks' defense held the rest of the way, though, holding on for the wild victory.
NNU now has a monstrous matchup with Western Oregon at home on Saturday, as they are currently tied with the Wolves for that third and final GNAC tournament bid. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. on NNU Field.
