Northwest U. shuts out Walla Walla in season opener (video stream)

COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. – Northwest University scored once in the first half and twice in the second to shut out Walla Walla University in their opening game of their season. The Eagles got quality goals by Jonathan Ellis, Nickey Ricks and Taylor Young as NU goalkeeper Joe Galbraith earned his first shutout of the season.

Northwest’s first goal came in the 33rd minute as freshman Jonathan Ellis (Kirkland, Wash.) headed one in from the left side off assists by teammates Carlos Portillo (Jr., Poulsbo, Wash.) and James Kerr (Sr., Bothell, Wash.). The first half ended with NU up 1-0 and with an 8 to 5 edge on shots.

The score remained the same until the 55:02 mark in the second half when senior Nickey Ricks (Monrovia, Liberia) struck a half volley over his shoulder and passed the WWU goalkeeper. James Kerr had his second assist and junior Taylor Young (Bellevue, Wash.) his first for the Eagles. Young then came back 19 seconds later to score his goal with a flick off a throw in by Kerr who notched his third assist of the game. Northwest picked up the pace of the game in the second half with their attack and outshot the Wolves 20-3 in the period.

Video streaming by Ustream

Joe Galbraith (Jr., Whitefish, Mont.) had 5 saves in goal for Northwest U. (1-0) while Jonathan McClane had 11 saves for Walla Walla.

“We started out a little slow today,” commented NU head coach, Gary McIntosh, “but we had good possessions with the ball even though it took some time to find our rhythm. Once we found it, James (Kerr) played a nice ball to Carlos (Portillo) who set up Ellis nicely for the header to get us started. It was a great header from the left side. At halftime, we talked about getting back to playing our game and playing a little quicker and turning up the pace in the second half. The guys played well and it was great for Joe (Galbraith) to get the shutout. It was hot out there today, so we had a lot of new players out there getting time. I’m very pleased with our effort and we’ll head home and get ready for Menlo (College) on Saturday.”

Northwest U. will host the Menlo College Oaks from Atherton, Calif., on Sat., Sept 1 at 1:00 p.m. in the first game of a doubleheader with the NU women who play host to Rocky Mountain College of Montana at 3:30 p.m.

Northwest U Press Release

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