DECATUR – Devon Pitts' two first half goals were just enough to help host East Central hold off Northwest 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at Warrior Soccer Field.

Northwest dropped its first match in five tries this season to move to 3-1-1 overall and 1-1 in the north. East Central improved to 3-4 and 1-1.

Lance Crabtree's team-high sixth goal in the 58th minute off a penalty kick pulled Northwest within a goal but the Rangers couldn't find the equalizer the final 32 minutes. 

The Rangers peppered the goal all afternoon and kept ECCC keeper Jakob Williams busy with 10 saves. Northwest also had a season-high 12 corner kicks but could not capitalize. 

Northwest enjoyed a 17-9 advantage on shots (11-6 SOG) and had several chances early and late to force extra time. All told, eight different Rangers had a shot in the match. 

Matthew Williams had four saves but allowed both first half goals to drop his first decision this season.

Northwest will try and rebound this weekend, hosting Eastern Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 and Oxford College on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.