KIRKLAND, WA - The Northwest University men's soccer teams started off league play with a win over Eastern Oregon this afternoon in Kirkland, WA, 3-1.

The Mountaineers wasted no time, scoring six minutes into the conference-opening match. The Eagle's were suddenly introduced to what Cascade Collegiate Conference competition looks like, and had to keep composure early in the game.

Eastern Oregon took note of the Eagle's 10-goal preseason, and came out with a strong back line. It was sufficient to start, but the Eagles broke through in the 32nd minute. A country mile throw in from Brayden Corwin took a bad bounce off of a Mountie defender, resulting in an own goal.

Andre Santos' one shot of the game put the Eagles in the lead, 2-1, with an unassisted goal in the 55th minute.

The Eagles held their lead throughout the second half while continuing to fire shots. Jacen Stein, who ended the match with eight shots and four shots on goal, scored in the 82nd minute assisted by Tyler Hopp. Hopp had four shots on goal as well. 

Northwest had 12 shots on goal while Eastern Oregon finished with four. 

Head Coach Gary McIntosh says, "It was great to get the first conference game going today. We had a bit of a slow start and went down a goal early, but we fought our way back into the game. During halftime, we made adjustments, and the guys did the rest. We had a fantastic second half, we scored some nice team goals, and Alex came up with some big saves that kept us in the game. We also got key minutes from guys off the bench. It was a great first day."

Conference battle continues tomorrow at 12:30 pm for the Eagles, as they host the College of Idaho Yotes who blanked the Evergreen State Geoducks today, 2-0.