KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University bested Providence (MT) for their first conference victory on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the NU athletic field. Captains Matthew Ludlow and Samuel Brendle led the attack as the Eagles finished the match 3-1 in this one-game stand at home.
The Eagles were seeking their first conference win Saturday. The urgency was apparent in the attack as Northwest recorded 13 shots in the match with a staggering eight on goal. The Argos were unable to keep pace with only six shots pressuring NU's keeper Bailey Hopkins.
The Eagles put the pressure on from the beginning of the match, launching six shots. Ludlow was able to find the net first, as he tapped in an assist from Benjamin Toscano in the 34th minute. Northwest headed into the break with the 1-0 advantage.
Coming out of the half, the Argos capitalized with the equalizing goal in the 53rd minute. Northwest did not let Providence contend very long as Brendle hammered home a free kick for the go-ahead goal in the 65th minute.
The Eagles continued their advance, challenging the Argos" defense, and found more success in the 82nd minute in dramatic fashion. All three captains connected for the match's dagger goal as Titus Bishop nodded a header to Ludlow who delivered a backheel flick to set up Brendle's second goal, capping off a second-half brace.
Brendle described his second goal of the game as "a great feeling and a great flick on" from Ludlow on the assist.
Coach McIntosh commented after the game stating, "We had an excellent week of training," and this contributed to the win. He offered his thoughts on the team, saying he was "proud of the guys for coming out at home and getting the win" and mentioned that the captains exhibited "great leadership." He noted that Brendle "had a standout game," specifically to secure the win, and that the team is beginning preparation for the upcoming home stretch.
Brendle was asked for comment on what this win does for the morale after starting out 0-4 in conference. He explained that it's a "huge confidence boost," especially considering the adversity of injuries on the roster currently. Brendle said that the coaching staff emphasizes that when facing injuries as the Eagles are right now, it's a "next man up" mentality. Brendle noted that Easton Ross "is a testament to that," as he was ready to come off the bench this week, stepping into the absent position.
The Eagles hope to regain injured key contributors Bernardo Melo, Luuk Wessteijn, Roland Ngoy, and Pedro Dionisio ahead of the upcoming homestand.
Northwest returns in the upcoming senior weekend home stretch facing Bushnell University and Corban University. The games take place at 3:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Oct. 9, against BU and 3:00 p.m. PT Saturday, Oct. 10, against CU.
Written and Reported by Benjamin Shoop, Media & Journalism Intern | NU Athletic Dept.
