Box Score

LACEY, Wash. — In the end the result was perfect, regardless of how the Crusaders got there.

The 22^nd-ranked Northwest Nazarene men's soccer team dominated play, but had some trouble finishing off host St. Martin's, settling for a close, yet satisfying, 2-1 win in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon.

"For large periods of the game we were really good today, but we have to be better about killing games off," said NNU head men's soccer coach Coe Michaelson. "Anyone in this conference is capable of beating anyone else, and Saint Martin's really worked hard and made a game of it.

"In the end, there are a few lessons learned today and we are happy to take three points home."

Coming off a scoreless draw Thursday night in a Top 25-battle at No. 3 Seattle Pacific, the Crusaders (6-1-1 overall, 2-0-1 GNAC) started strong against the Saints as Alex Mitrovic blasted home a pass from Jaime Verdin just 4 minutes, 53 seconds into the contest.

But the Saints (1-5-1, 0-3-0) made a game of it as Tim Teipel kicked in a rebound in the 39^th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

NNU, which outshot the Saints 25-9 in the contest, continued to push forward and control play and finally got the winner with 15:48 remaining when Mitrovic netted his second of the day — and fourth of the season.

The Crusader freshman booted home a throw-in from teammate Julio Castillo, providing the margin of victory NNU needed to enjoy its trip home in preparation for next week when the Crusaders hosts the University of Mary on Thursday at 5 p.m., then Montana State Billings at 1:30 p.m. next Saturday, at Finkbeiner Park.

Ryan Foo finished with three saves in the win for the Crusaders.