SALEM, Ore. – Abdullahi Sharif found the back of the net in the first half and Northwest Nazarene held strong defensively down the stretch to earn a 1-0 victory over West Texas A&M on Thursday at the Capital Football Club.
The win moves the Nighthawks to 3-1-3 on the season, while the Buffaloes fall to 2-4-1.
NNU controlled the chances early, holding West Texas A&M without a shot in the opening 45 minutes while putting four of its own on frame.
The Nighthawks broke through in the 34th minute. Kwame Kwakye found Sharif inside the box, where the junior put a right-footed strike past the keeper from 10 yards out to give NNU the 1-0 advantage. It was one of three shots on goal for Sharif in the match.
West Texas A&M flipped the pressure in the second half, recording all six of its shots after the break. Elijah Brockl was up to the challenge in goal for the Nighthawks, making saves in the 48th and 56th minutes before adding two more stops in a three-minute stretch midway through the half.
The Buffaloes continued to push for the equalizer, but NNU's defense kept them off the board to secure its first shutout of the season. Brockl finished with four saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Northwest Nazarene finished with an 8-6 advantage in shots and a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. The Nighthawks also earned four corner kicks compared to three for West Texas A&M.
The Nighthawks will close out non-conference play in Salem on Saturday against St. Mary's (Texas).
By the numbers:
- NNU recorded eight shots, five on goal
- WTX recorded six shots, four on goal
- all six shots were in the second half
- Elijah Brockl recorded four saves and his third shutout of the year
- Abdullahi Sharif led the team with three shots, all of which were on goal
- Sharif scored his first goal of the year, second of his career
