Kirkland, Wash. – The OUAZ men's soccer team carried a halftime lead into the final 45 minutes, but host Northwest University scored twice in the closing stages to hand the Spirit a 2-1 setback on Saturday afternoon.
With the result, OUAZ moves to 1-2-1 on the season.Â
The Spirit controlled much of the opening half, generating several quality chances and keeping pressure on the Northwest defense. OUAZ registered eight first-half shots and forced Eagle goalkeeper Bailey Hopkins into multiple saves.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Harry Dwelly found the back of the net for the Spirit's first goal of the afternoon. Marcos Chavez earned the assist as OUAZ took a 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Northwest increased its attack in the second half, but the Spirit defense and goalkeeper Jack Murdoch held firm through much of the period. Murdoch made key saves to preserve the lead, including stops on shots from Dustin Le and Elias Holly.Â
The Eagles eventually broke through late. Nick Rivera scored the equalizer off an assist from Titus Bishop, tying the match at 1-1. Northwest then found the game-winner just minutes later when Rivera struck again, this time finishing a setup from Benjamin Toscano, to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead.Â
OUAZ continued searching for an equalizer in the final minutes and nearly found one when Zen Courtois rattled a shot off the post. However, the Spirit were unable to convert another opportunity before the final whistle.
Dwelly's goal highlighted the offensive effort for OUAZ, while Chavez recorded his first assist of the season. Murdoch finished with three saves in net for the Spirit.
By the Numbers
Up Next
The Spirit return home on Thursday, Sept. 3, for a matchup against the Justice Lions at 7 p.m. as OUAZ looks to bounce back at its home pitch.
