COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. — Northwest University men's soccer generated several second-half opportunities but could not overcome two first-half goals, falling 2-0 to Walla Walla in Cascade Collegiate Conference play Friday afternoon.
Bailey Hopkins finished with seven saves for the Eagles, while Benjamin Toscano and Matthew Ludlow led Northwest with three shots apiece. Toscano put two attempts on target, as NU recorded five shots on goal.
Walla Walla opened the scoring in the 23rd minute on an unassisted goal from Paulo Tostado. Gabriel Delgadillo doubled the Wolves' advantage six minutes later, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Hopkins made four saves in the opening half, including stops against Jose Roblero and Tostado in the final 12 minutes. The Eagles entered halftime trailing by two after being outshot 9-1.
Northwest increased its offensive pressure after the break, producing seven shots and earning five corner kicks. Toscano tested Walla Walla goalkeeper Sebas Vargas in the 58th minute, and Ludlow followed with a header on target in the 67th.
The Eagles continued searching for a breakthrough down the stretch. Caleb Corpuz put a header on frame in the 74th minute, while Toscano and Dustin Le each forced saves in the final 10 minutes. Vargas turned away all five of Northwest's shots on goal to preserve the shutout.
Walla Walla finished with a 19-8 advantage in shots, while Northwest held a 5-3 edge in corner kicks. Hopkins added three saves in the second half to keep the Wolves scoreless after intermission.
Northwest continues its road trip Sunday, Oct. 18, against Warner Pacific in Portland, Ore. Kickoff for the CCC matchup is scheduled for 1 p.m.
