NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene battled Central Washington scoreless for nearly the full 90 minutes Thursday night before the Wildcats found a late winner, handing the Nighthawks a 1-0 defeat at the NNU Soccer Field.
The two sides remained deadlocked through the opening 45 minutes despite Central Washington generating seven shots. Alex Barrass helped keep the Wildcats off the board with four first-half saves, while Abbey Blancett put NNU's lone shot of the period on target in the 35th minute.
NNU created its best stretch of attacking pressure early in the second half. Alexis Cromwell nearly broke the tie in the 54th minute, but her attempt struck the crossbar. Just over four minutes later, Lucy Bergford also hit the woodwork before forcing a save from CWU goalkeeper Danika Galbraith moments later.
The Wildcats increased the pressure down the stretch, but Barrass continued to keep the match level. She made saves in the 71st, 74th, 85th and 86th minutes as the contest remained scoreless into the final seconds.
Central Washington finally broke through with just seven seconds remaining. Shannah Mellick scored at 89:53 to give the Wildcats the 1-0 victory.
Barrass finished the match with seven individual saves as NNU was outshot 15-4 overall and 9-2 in shots on goal. Bergford led the Nighthawks with two shots, including one on goal.
By the numbers:
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Alex Barrass recorded seven saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal
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Lucy Bergford led NNU with two shots and one shot on goal
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Abbey Blancett recorded NNU's other shot on goal
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NNU put two of its four total shots on target
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Central Washington held a 15-4 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks
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The game's only goal came at 89:53
