OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Emmanual Nicasio (Sr., M) scored on a tap-in from three yards out with four seconds left to send The Evergreen State College to a 2-1 victory over Northwest University in a Cascade Collegiate Conference game on Friday, Sept. 27. The goal was scored after a free kick by Evergreen with eight seconds on the clock.

The ball was deflected in the box and bounced to Nicasio, who sent it past Northwest goalkeeper Michael Kot. The win improved the Geoducks to 1-5-0 on the season, 1-2-0 in the CCC. Northwest slipped to 2-5-1 overall, 0-2-1 in the CCC.

"What a tremendous effort today," Evergreen Head Men's Soccer Coach Steve Schmidt commented. "I frequently remind our players that they must be committed to compete for the full 90 minutes, and we saw that today with the goals late in the game. They worked extremely hard all week on the defensive organization, and we saw that out on the field this afternoon. Overall. I am extremely happy for the group as their commitment and resolve really showed in their performance!"

All of the goals were earned in the final four minutes of the game. Juan Mendez (Jr., MF) gave the Geoducks a 1-0 advantage at 86:07 on a 14-yard header toward the right side of the goal after receiving a pass from Alan Barragan (Sr., MF).

The Eagles tied the score at 87:39 when a penalty kick was awarded to Northwest. Damian Santos made the penalty kick. Evergreen goalie Brendan Gribek (Sr.) dove to his right and barely missed making a save. 

Nicasio's goal game at the end of a match that included 37 fouls (19 on Northwest, 18 on Evergreen) and 14 cards. One player for each team received a red card after being cautioned a second time.

Northwest registered a 15-11 margin in total shots, although the Geoducks earned an 8-7 edge in shots over the final 45 minutes. The Eagles owned a 9-2 advantage in shots on target.

Gribek was credited with eight saves for Evergreen. Kot did not make a save for Northwest as several quality shots by the Geoducks were barely off target. 

The Geoducks will play at Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon, on Friday, Oct. 4. Game time at the Eastside Timbers Sports Complex is set for 2:30 p.m. PDT.