NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene women's soccer battled Westminster to the final whistle on Saturday, but a second-half goal proved to be the difference as the Griffins came away with a 1-0 victory in Nampa.
The Nighthawks and Griffins played an even opening 45 minutes, with each side recording four shots. NNU generated three corner kicks in the first half while keeping Westminster off the scoreboard to send the match into halftime tied at 0-0.
Westminster broke through in the 54th minute. After Alex Barrass and the NNU defense denied an initial attempt from Natalie Cardin, Kirsten Kirkham found the back of the net moments later off an assist from Cardin to give the Griffins the 1-0 advantage.
The Nighthawks pushed for the equalizer down the stretch, generating five shots over the final 20 minutes. Attie Jo Westbrook recorded back-to-back attempts in the 71st and 72nd minutes before Alexis Cromwell added another in the 76th.
NNU's best opportunity came in the 80th minute when Lucy Bergford put a shot on frame that was sneaking under the bar before Griffin's keeper Marin Mackenzie punched the ball of the bar, preserving the clean sheet.
NNU finished the match with nine shots and five corner kicks, while Westminster recorded 12 shots and seven corners. Bergford and Westbrook led the Nighthawks with two shots apiece. Barrass played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded four saves.
The loss moves Northwest Nazarene to 0-3-1 on the season, and they are still searching for their first win of the season and will start their GNAC slate on Sept. 17 against Western Washington in Bellingham.
By the numbers:
