KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest picked up some needed experience Saturday in a 2-1 loss at the hands of Fraser Valley to start the men's soccer season.
 
With a few early-season injuries and some eligibility holdups, the Eagles put six freshmen in the starting lineup.
 
"It was good to get back out on the pitch today," said NU Coach Gary McIntosh. "I thought the guys were a little slow to get into the game, and the delay in the game hurt us a little bit, I think. We got some very good experience for our players as we continue to grow as a young team. We will take a look at the video and see what we need to work on this next week, and then will get back after it and will look forward to the next game."
 
After a scoreless first half, UFV got on the scoreboard first with a goal by Bray Weir in the 61st minute, and Liam Kelly found the back of the Eagles' net for a 2-0 Cascades' lead in the 76th minute.
 
Justin Harden put Northwest on the board with a header off a feed from Jacob Moon.
 
NU launched eight shots in the game, led by Tyler Hopp with four. The only other shot on goal for the Eagles came from Gian Herrera, whose sliding shot was deflected by Cascades' keeper Ethan Duggan.
 
Alexander Thiehofe, in his first college start, recorded four saves in goal for NU.
 
The 0-1 Eagles now take to the road for their next six games, starting Saturday at Simpson in Redding, California. Northwest does not return home until Friday, Sept. 27, when Rocky Mountain visits.