Box Score ST. PAUL – In a close match-up with Hamline University, the Eagles fell 2-1 Tuesday night on the Pipers' turf. Second half efforts couldn't steal the first half lead from the home team.
In the 7th minute of the game, Hamline's Gilbert Ghong knocked in the first goal of the game, assisted by James Reardon. Five minutes later, Ghong shot again but the ball rebounded, leading to Hamline's second goal thanks to Abbai Habte being in the right place at the right time. Ghong settled with an assist and the momentum for the Pipers was slowing down as no other goals were scored in the first half.
Neither team was having any luck in goal in the second half until 25 minutes after half when Northwestern's
Matthew McCann (Marshfield, Wis./Marshfield) sank the ball deep into the goal after
Eric Fast (Eagan, Minn./Homeschool) executed a corner kick right to McCann. Outshot 9-6, the Eagles did not have as many offensive opportunities as last weekend's play. The Pipers secured the 2-1 win as the Eagles second half stretch wasn't quite enough to take the lead.
Abbai Habte has had three game-winning goals this season, including tonight's win for Hamline. With a very even goalkeeper match-up, Derrick Mora took the win for the Pipers. Mora has 37 saves this year with a save percentage of 0.755 in comparison to the Eagles' goalkeeper
Jordan Salm (Cleveland, Wis./Sheboygan North) who has 36 saves with a percentage of 0.735. Salm racked five saves tonight for the Purple and Gold.
Northwestern (2-9-1, 2-3-1 UMAC) continues conference play when North Central hosts the Eagles Thursday at 3:15 p.m. with another game Saturday night as UNW hosts North Central at 5:15 p.m for homecoming at Reynolds Field.
