From NSU Sports Information
BETHANY, Okla. – The No. 20-ranked Northeastern State men’s soccer team came from behind to top Southern Nazarene 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Wes Harmon Field.
The RiverHawks improved to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the MIAA, while the Crimson Storm remained winless at 0-9 overall and 0-3 in the league.
“We had a great performance from Edgar Gonzaga today,” NSU head coach Rob Czlonka said. “When teams are focusing on Bo, it’s great to have players step up for our team. Southern Nazarene played really well and caused us a few problems, but it was our teamwork in the end that got us through.”
The home side took the early advantage when leading goal scorer Hajime Chumpitaz scored in the 17th minute off an assist from Javier Caballeros.
Southern Nazarene took the 1-0 advantage into intermission, and the Crimson Storm maintained the advantage when senior midfielder Bo White missed a penalty kick in the 58th minute.
Northeastern State kept the pressure up, however, and junior midfielder Edgar Gonzaga found the back of the net in the 60th minute for his second goal in as many games.
NSU outshot SNU 29-9, but the two teams stood on level terms entering the final two minutes of play.
Overtime looked imminent, but White was able to atone for his earlier miscue by heading in the game-winning goal in the 89th minute off a corner kick from Gonzaga. White now has eight goals this season, and Gonzaga picked up his third point of the match.
Freshman goalkeeper Eric Shephard played the final 64:14 in net and earned his first-career victory. Senior Jordan Ladbrooke allowed the lone SNU goal and left the game after 25:46.
Blake Anderson (0-9) allowed two goals and made 10 saves for the Crimson Storm.
The RiverHawks will next be in action at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 against Truman State at DeLoache Field.
Scoring Summary
NSU 0 2 – 2
SNU 1 0 – 1
Individual Scoring
Hajime Chumpitaz (SNU) at 16:24 (Javier Caballeros)
Edgar Gonzaga (NSU) at 59:57 (unassisted)
Bo White (NSU) at 88:08 (Edgar Gonzaga)
Goalkeeper Saves
Jordan Ladbrooke (NSU) – 1
Eric Shephard (NSU) – 0
Blake Anderson (SNU) – 10
Cedrique Flemming is the Sports Information Director at Northeastern State University.