NIC women notch muddy soccer win

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Audrianna Woods scored on a rebound in the 55th minute for the game's only goal as the North Idaho College women's soccer team beat Clark College 1-0 on Sunday.

Kellsi Parson hit a free kick from the right side of the penalty area in front of the goal for NIC (3-5-2). Keilin Farrand headed it toward the goal, but it was blocked by a Clark defender. Woods got the rebound and put the ball into the left side of the goal.

The game was played in a pouring rain, and the field was described by NIC coach Dan Hogan as a "giant mud pit" after only 10 minutes of play.

"I told the players it wasn't the type of conditions to play pretty soccer," Hogan said. "It was going to be ugly soccer today and we would have to win ugly."

"Natalie Middleton, our holding midfielder, played the whole game winning balls out of the air and keeping the Clark midfielders from finding any easy passes," he added. "Alex Rodriguez made two saves late, parrying both balls over the crossbar and out of danger to preserve the shutout."

NIC plays host to Salt Lake on Friday.

First half - none. Second half - 1, NIC, Audrianna Woods (unassisted).

Shots on goal - NIC 11, Clark 6.

Saves - NIC, Alex Rodriguez 3; Clark, Victoria Fulton 3.