Northwest Nazarene University Athletics

NAMPA, Idaho - The Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team battled Western Oregon to a scoreless draw on Saturday at the NNU Soccer Field.
 

The Nighthawks controlled the attack throughout the opening 45 minutes, holding the Wolves without a shot while firing nine of their own.
 

Rylan McPherson put NNU's first shot on goal in the 14th minute, forcing a save from Western Oregon goalkeeper Austin Valdez.
 

The Nighthawks continued to pressure the Wolves late in the half. Abdullahi Sharif put an attempt on frame in the 34th minute before Illyès El Yansli and McPherson each forced saves in the closing eight minutes.
 

Western Oregon found more opportunities in the second half, but NNU continued to create chances on the other end.
 

Jim Wagenaar put a shot on goal in the 57th minute before McPherson forced another save in the 73rd.
 

NNU made a late push for the game-winner with multiple opportunities in the 80th minute. El Yansli and Angad Dharni each put shots on frame, but the Wolves kept the Nighthawks off the board.


Angad Dharni had the best chance of the game for either team. After Alex Barragan drew a foul on the far sideline, Rylan McPherson put a cross into the box that landed at the edge of the six-yard box. Dharni had a one-on-one with the keeper who got a piece of the shot before it fell back to Dharni who seemed to have an open net. Luis Flores made a clutch goal line save to keep the score 0-0.
 

Western Oregon's lone shot on goal came in the final minute, but Elijah Brockl made the save to preserve the shutout and the 0-0 draw.

NNU falls to 7-2-5 overall and 2-1-2 in GNAC play. They will host Western Washington on Thursday.

By the numbers:

• NNU outshot Western Oregon 18-7 and held an 8-1 advantage in shots on goal.
• The Nighthawks held Western Oregon without a shot in the first half while recording nine attempts.
• McPherson led NNU with four shots, including three on goal.
• Caleb Putney added four shots, while El Yansli and Sharif each recorded three.
• Brockl made one save while recording the clean sheet.
• NNU has moved to 7-2-5 overall and 2-1-2 in GNAC play.