KIRKLAND, Wash. — Northwest University women's soccer used two second-half goals to defeat Bushnell 2-1 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play Friday afternoon.
Jersey Walker opened the scoring in the 69th minute, and Talia Hurst converted a penalty kick to give the Eagles a two-goal advantage. Northwest held off a late push from the Beacons to secure the home victory.
The Eagles generated early opportunities, earning four corner kicks in the opening 12 minutes. Kambree Degon put a shot on goal in the 20th minute, while Alivia Berry tested Bushnell goalkeeper Gabriella Montes in the 33rd minute. Northwest finished the half with a 4-2 advantage in shots, but the teams entered the break scoreless after Bushnell's Anela Leslie hit the crossbar just before halftime.
Neveah Howerton put another shot on target early in the second half before Bushnell began to apply pressure. Northwest goalkeeper Ali Tiechner made consecutive saves on shots from Ohu Miles in the 64th and 66th minutes to keep the match level.
Walker broke the deadlock at 68:51, scoring off an assist from Taryn Demers to put the Eagles ahead 1-0. Lily McMullen followed with a shot on goal in the 72nd minute as Northwest continued to create chances.
Hurst extended the lead at 77:23, converting a penalty kick for what proved to be the game-winning goal. Tiechner added another save in the 81st minute before Charlotte Vandercar scored off an assist from Miles at 86:48 to bring Bushnell within one. The Eagles maintained their advantage through the final minutes to close out the win.
"Super proud of how the team played today as they battled some uncontrollable factors!" said Head Coach April VanAssche. "They did a great job sticking to our game plan, getting the ball in the back of the net, and defending well as a team today! Great start to our weekend games!"
Tiechner recorded four saves in 90 minutes. Degon led Northwest with two shots, while Walker and Hurst each scored on their lone attempt. The Eagles placed six of their eight shots on goal, compared to five of eight for Bushnell, and held a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
Northwest returns home Saturday, Oct. 10, to face Corban at 12:30 p.m.
