The Western Washington men’s soccer team remains winless against conference opponents this season, losing its recent match to Northwest Nazarene 2-1 Thursday, Oct. 10.
The Vikings had numerous chances but struggled to find the back of the net. Western outshot the Nighthawks 22-4 and had 12 corner kicks compared to one. Yet, the Vikings’ goal did not come until the 85th minute when Adan Ferndandez scored a one-touch goal to make it 2-1, assisted by Albin Jonsson.
“It shows the team is fighting at the end,” Western coach Greg Brisbon said. “We had a lot of chances and have to improve to win games. It shows their spirit and trying to get the win.”
The Vikings’ first opportunity came in the third minute when Jonsson received a through ball and fired the shot into a tight window. The shot was saved by Nighthawks goalie Gerardo Fonte.
Western’s offense was able to connect passes in the defensive and middle of the field but could not string passes near Northwest Nazarene’s goal. After possessing the ball for a minute near the Nighthawks’ 18-yard box, Jonathan Cardona fired a shot over the bar.
The Vikings had a close call with a handful of headers bouncing the ball in front of Northwest Nazarene’s goal. However, Jonsson accidentally knocked down a Nighthawks player and neither team could string a shot on net until the 65th minute.
Northwest Nazarene had another counterattack ended by Western’s goalie Charlie Dyer tripping him. Nighthawks Jonathan Cardona fired the shot into the lower left corner, just past Dyer’s gloves, for the second goal.
“Apart from the two goals they scored, I thought we played defense well,” Brisbon said. “The margins are slim at this level and we need to finish those chances.”
Western’s final attempt came with seconds remaining from a free kick near midfield. Yet, the ball was cleared and the Vikings’ conference record dropped to 0-2-1. The Vikings travel to Lacey Saturday, Oct. 12 to face Saint Martin’s.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
