ST. PAUL, Minn. – A strong start and finish to the first half was the bookend the University of Northwestern Men's Soccer team needed to earn its first UMAC win of the 2024 season on Saturday at Reynolds Field. The Eagles defended their home turf and defeated North Central University, 2-0, on a gorgeous evening.
Northwestern drew first blood thanks to a pair of freshmen.
Julian Ortiz Menjivar (Oakdale, Minn./North St. Paul) scored in the seventh minute, courtesy of a
Joe Nyagaka (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) assist. The remainder of the first half remained deadlocked despite UNW out-shooting North Central 10-3, until the Eagles converted one of the more beautiful goals you will see this year in the 44
th minute.
Teddy Hall (Mendota Heights, Minn./Homeschool) launched a long cross from the left side of the field to
Aaron Hill (New Brighton, Minn./Mounds View), who re-directed the ball to
Luis Villalobos (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North). Villalobos hammered it home to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage heading into the half.
With a two-goal edge, Northwestern took a more defensive-minded approach in the second frame, It paid off, as the rest of the game went scoreless.
Michael Machuca (Rock Island, Ill./Rock Island) made two impressive, second half saves to keep the Rams off the score sheet, and the Eagles prevailed, 2-0.
Ortiz Menjivar took two shots, both on goal, including his seventh-minute score. Nyagaka, Hill,
Jared Mojardin (Denver, Colo./Northeast Early College),
Gonzalo Luna Belmonte (Riverbank, Calif./Riverbank),
Alejandro Alfaro (Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta) and Villalobos all logged one shot on goal apiece, with Villalobos's being converted for a goal. Hill, Hall and Nyagaka were responsible for UNW's three assists, while Machuca finished with three saves in a shutout effort.
The Eagles will travel to New Ulm on Wednesday to take on Martin Luther College at 4:30 PM as they search for their first two-game winning streak of the season. Tune into the action on the UMAC Sports Network.
