ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Northwest fell on the wrong side of a defensive battle in a 2-0 road loss to St. Charles on Saturday afternoon.

Northwest dropped to 0-1 to start the season as the host Cougars gained their first victory, improving to 1-1 overall.

St. Charles held a slim 3-2 margin in shots at halftime, with an offsides call wiping the Cougars' first goal off the board. 

Northwest struggled to find the net in the second half, as St. Charles outshot the Rangers 7-1, scoring two goals in the 60th and 72nd minutes of action.

Physical play became the story for both teams as the final 45 minutes progressed, with each team being assessed three cautions apiece.

Freshmen Peyton Coker and Brendon Galbraith were responsible for the only two shots on goal for Northwest. Sophomore goalkeeper Tim Spencer logged four saves in 90 minutes of action.

Northwest will open MACJC North Division competition on Friday, August 30 at Hinds at 7 P.M. Live stats will be available through nwccrangers.com.