NIC SOCCER: Cardinal women notch win in conference opener
• WOMEN
PENDLETON, Ore. — Defensively, it might have been the best match fourth-ranked North Idaho College has played all year.
Offensively, however ...
Freshman forward Rylee Wardle scored the lone goal in the 47th minute for the Cardinals, who outshot the Blue Mountain Timberwolves 9-2, in a 1-0 win in the Northwest Athletic Conference opener for both schools on Wednesday.
“We looked really good on defense,” NIC coach Kellsi Parson said. “We were organized and communicated really well. We played six different girls on the back line, and each of them came in and did their job.”
NIC recorded 21 shots, Blue Mountain 4 in the match.
“Our passing game was awesome today,” Parson said. “We’re just missing finishing goals. But if we score one, we should be in good shape.
NIC (5-2) hosts Wenatchee Valley next Wednesday.
Blue Mountain is (3-2).
First half — none. Second half — 1, NIC, Rylee Wardle (unassisted), 47:08.
Shots on goal — NIC 9, BMCC 2.
Saves — NIC, Kaycee Chavez, 2; BMCC, Seanee Still, 8.
• MEN
Blue Mountain 2
North Idaho 0
PENDLETON, Ore. — It was a game of inches for the Cardinals as they opened the Northwest Athletic Conference slate with the host Timberwolves.
Isaac Fritts had a breakaway tying shot go over the crossbar for the Cardinals, then the Timberwolves scored moments later to put the game out of reach.
“We’re creating chances, but we’ve got to be able to score,” NIC coach Brad Williams said. “Defensively, they’re doing what we’re asking them to do. We had good control of the game in the first half and felt like we had some good moments, but just couldn’t get that chance on target. I’m proud of the guys effort.”
NIC (1-2) faces the Sandpoint Legends in an exhibition match at Memorial Field in Sandpoint on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain is 1-3.
First half — none. Second half — 1, BMCC, Cristian Rea (Dominic Sanchez), 83:46. 2, BMCC, Sanchez (Rea), 90:00.
Shots on goal — NIC 1, BMCC 5.
Saves — NIC, Kael McGowan, 3; BMCC, Anthony Lemus, 1.