MONMOUTH, Ore. – Northwest Nazarene men's soccer erased a two-goal halftime deficit behind a pair of goals from Caleb Putney, but Western Oregon responded with two late goals to defeat the Nighthawks 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.
The loss moved NNU to 8-4-6 overall and 3-3-3 in GNAC play, while Western Oregon improved to 9-3-5 overall and 5-1-2 in conference action.
Western Oregon struck almost immediately, taking a 1-0 lead just 1:33 into the match. Will Boyle put an attempt on frame that Elijah Brockl stopped before Archie Dhima found the back of the net to give the Wolves the early advantage.
Despite the early deficit, NNU generated plenty of opportunities during the opening half. The Nighthawks recorded nine shots and four corner kicks over the first 45 minutes, forcing WOU goalkeeper Austin Valdez into three saves.
Western Oregon doubled its advantage late in the half when Evan Huber scored off an assist from Jacob Solek in the 41st minute, sending the Nighthawks into halftime trailing 2-0.
NNU wasted little time mounting its comeback after the break.
Putney pulled the Nighthawks within one in the 47th minute, scoring just 1:59 into the second half. Less than eight minutes later, NNU earned a penalty kick and Putney converted from the spot in the 55th minute to level the match at 2-2.
The brace highlighted a strong offensive afternoon for Putney, who finished with five shots and put all five on goal.
The match remained tied for nearly 20 minutes before Western Oregon regained the advantage in the 75th minute on an NNU own goal.
Just 1:20 later, the Wolves added another as Ignacio Brandan scored off an assist from Solek to extend the WOU lead to 4-2.
NNU continued to push forward but could not cut into the deficit over the final 14 minutes.
The Nighthawks outshot Western Oregon 18-12 for the match, with both teams putting 10 attempts on goal. NNU also held a 9-6 advantage in shots during the opening half, while the two sides finished even with five corner kicks apiece.
Elijah Brockl recorded seven goalkeeper saves for the Nighthawks, while Valdez made eight for Western Oregon.
By the numbers:
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Caleb Putney scored both NNU goals, including a penalty kick, and put all five of his shots on goal
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NNU outshot Western Oregon 18-12
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The Nighthawks recorded 10 shots on goal
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Rylan McPherson and Youssef El Madkouri each recorded three shots
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Abdullahi Sharif added three attempts, including one on goal
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Elijah Brockl recorded seven saves
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NNU and Western Oregon each earned five corner kicks
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The Nighthawks scored twice in a span of 7:28 early in the second half to erase a 2-0 deficit
