KIRKLAND - The Eagles fend off The University of Fraser Valley Cascades this late afternoon, clenching their first victory of the 2023 season. 

In a fight until the last second, NU came out on top 1-0.

In his first official game as an Eagle, Damian Santos put his team on the scoreboard in the 78th minute.

The University of Fraser Valley was unable to answer for the last portion of the game, giving the Eagles the win.

Samuel Brendle, Tyler Hopp, and Santos each had 2 shots, with Hopp, Santos, and Ryan Anderson each having one shot on target. Alexander Thiehofe had five saves and earned his first goalkeeping win of the season.

"I was really pleased with how we played today," said Head Coach Gary McIntosh. "We came out ready to compete, which was good to see. We completed several of the goals that we set out to do today. Fraser Valley was a very good team, organized and disciplined, so it took us a while to break them down. We love to see our team battle together and fight for each other, and then to see Santos get the game winner off a beautiful goal was a great way to win the game."

Men's soccer will play again on August 24 at 2:00 pm in McMinnville against the Linfield Wildcats.