ST. PAUL, Minn. - The University of Northwestern Men's Soccer Team faced its first UMAC opponent on Saturday night at Reynolds Field, hosting Bethany Lutheran College. The Eagles fell to the Vikings, 0-4.
Max Plaza (New Brighton, Minn./St. Anthony Village) entered in the eighth minute and collected a shot on target moments later. Josiah Mezey (Monument, Colo./Village) also forced a save in the opening half, giving UNW two shots on target before halftime. Joe Nyagaka (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) recorded the Eagles' third and final shot on target in the 61st minute.
The Eagles were unable to create much offense against the BLC powerhouse, but after allowing four goals and 20 shots in the first 45 minutes, Northwestern's defense tightened up in the second half. The Eagles held the Vikings scoreless after halftime, allowing just eight shot attempts.
Mezey led the Eagles with two shots, including one on goal. Plaza and Nyagaka each tallied one shot and one on target, while Daniel DeWalt (Nathrop, Colo./Buena Vista) also recorded one shot attempt. Logan Hutzenbiler (Billings, Mont./Billings Central Catholic) earned the start in goal and turned in 76 minutes with eight saves. Isaac Johnson (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View) and Georden Tschida (Circle Pines, Minn./Centennial) combined for the final 14 minutes in goal for UNW.
The Eagles continue their challenging start to conference play, facing another top UMAC opponent in UW-Superior on Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 PM.
