KIRKLAND, Wash. — Matthew Ludlow scored the game's lone goal, and Bailey Hopkins recorded six saves as Northwest University men's soccer defeated Corban University 1-0 on Saturday in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, celebrating Senior Night with a victory in its final home match of the season.
Ludlow delivered the deciding goal in the 56th minute, finishing off an outlet pass from Hopkins to break a scoreless tie. The Eagles held off the Warriors for the remaining 35 minutes to secure the shutout and send their seniors out with a home win.
Northwest created several opportunities in the opening half, with Caleb Corpuz, Dustin Le, and Benjamin Toscano each putting shots on target. Hopkins matched that effort at the other end, making three first-half saves as the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Corban tested Hopkins again early in the second half, but the Northwest goalkeeper stopped Antonio Virrueta's attempt in the 52nd minute. Minutes later, Hopkins helped create the breakthrough, earning the assist on Ludlow's game winner at 55:07.
The Warriors continued to press for an equalizer, recording 11 shots after halftime. Hopkins denied Jesus Mendoza in the 69th minute and Virrueta in the 73rd, while the Eagles' defense blocked several attempts down the stretch to preserve the lead. Chase Carter also tested Corban goalkeeper Rylan Davidson in the 80th minute as Northwest searched for an insurance goal.
"What a day to be able to honor the seniors and get the win for them," said Head Coach Gary McIntosh. "This was a gutsy performance from the team; everyone stepped up today. Bailey made an incredible outlet pass that ended up being the assist for the game winner by Matt. This team has been in every game, and we need to carry this momentum into the next game."
Corban finished with a 19-9 advantage in shots and eight corner kicks, but Northwest kept all six of the Warriors' shots on goal out of the net. Toscano and Carter led the Eagles with two shots apiece, while Ludlow converted his only attempt.
Northwest returns to the road Friday, Oct. 16, to face Walla Walla University in College Place, Wash. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.
