NIC men blank Western Wyoming

| October 9, 2011 9:00 PM

COEUR d'ALENE - Chad Ward scored a goal and assisted on another to help the North Idaho Cardinals men's soccer team get back to .500 with a 2-0 victory over Western Wyoming on Saturday at Eisenwinter Field.

"We feel back on track," NIC coach Ken Thompson said. "You can feel the enthusiasm in our team."

NIC (4-4-2) struck early when Ward's cross in the sixth minute of the first half hit the corner of the goal and bounced into the field of play where Mike Leptich bicycle kicked the ball into the side netting.

Ward then ended all scoring in the second minute of the final half with a goal off an assist from Eliseo Santana.

The win helped NIC avenge a 4-2 loss to the same Western Wyoming team on Sept. 23, and marked the third shutout by the Cardinals on the season.

NIC will look to make it two wins in a row today when the the Cardinals welcome Gonzaga University's club team to Coeur d'Alene at 2:30.

First half - NIC, Mike Leptich (Chad Ward) 6:00. Second half - NIC, Chad Ward (Eliseo Santana) 2:00.

Shots on goal - WW, 14, NIC, 11. Saves - WW, Cory Thibeault 1; NIC, Dana Ashton 4;