NIC SOCCER: Cardinal men rise up, win in Wyoming

POWELL, Wyo. — If nothing else, this trip taught the North Idaho College men’s soccer team to think on their feet.

Freshman Mouhamed Fadel scored on an assist from Rayan Berbachi in the 28th minute for the Cardinals, who defeated Northwest College 1-0 in a nonconference match that was rescheduled from Tuesday to Wednesday due to lightning.

“I thought our guys responded well,” second-year NIC coach Brad Williams said. “They were really flexible with the changes and we didn’t know until 9 p.m. MDT when the game (Wednesday) was going to be. We were determined today and showed the desire and talent to win.”

NIC outshot Northwest 11-5.

“It wasn’t an easy task,” Williams said. “Northwest has tied Utah State-Eastern, which is ranked 18th and Truckee Meadows, so to get that result was huge for us.”

Sophomore Kael McGowan, a Post Falls High product, had five saves for NIC (5-0), which opens Scenic West Athletic Conference play on Saturday against Pacific Northwest Christian of Kennewick, Wash., at War Memorial Field in Sandpoint.

First half — 1, NIC, Mouhamed Fidel (Rayan Berbachi), 28:00. Second half — none.

Shots on goal — NIC 11, NWC 5.

Saves — NIC, Kael McGowan 5; NWC, unknown, 10.