SENATOBIA - Northwest freshman J.C. Dunlop provided first year head coach
Michael Sullivan with his first victory, as the Rangers held off Bethel University JV by a 2-1 final in Monday's overtime match.
Monday's win was also the Rangers' home-opener and the first match played in two weeks, following a string of season-opening losses at Blue Mountain College, Belhaven and MUW.
Neither team scored early on, despite Bethel taking numerous shots throughout the first half. However, Northwest struck first with less than a minute to go before halftime, as
Sidney Black, Jr. scored off an assist from
Ethan Barnes to give the Rangers a narrow 1-0 advantage.
Northwest spent the better part of the second half looking to add to its lead, missing a couple close shots. Over the final 10 minutes of regulation, the tide turned in the Wildcats' favor and in the 89th minute, Ivan Manuel Sanchez evened the score and forced overtime.
Although Bethel fired off three shots in the overtime period, the Rangers took their only shot when it counted, resulting in Dunlop's golden goal game-winner in the 98th minute.
Northwest was outshot 14-3 over the course of the first half and surrendered 23 total shots, taking only 10 total. However, the shots-on-goal margin was a bit closer, with Bethel finishing at an 11-5 edge.
Connor Young recorded his first win in four starts as goalkeeper, collecting 10 saves on the afternoon. Kenyon Lawrence took the loss for the Wildcats after playing the whole second half and in overtime.
A total of 28 fouls were called in the match, resulting in several infractions. A total of six cautions were issued in the second half, with four coming against the Rangers.
With the win, Northwest improves to 1-3 on the season. The Rangers will travel to Ellisville on Friday, September 16 to take on No. 6 Jones College for a 7 P.M. conference-opening match.
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