Orange City, Iowa – The Raiders battled through adversity and come out with a come from behind draw under the lights Saturday night.
The first half was full of physicality and intensity from the kickoff. Defense was the game's name, as neither team got off a threatening shot. The Raider back line only allowed three shots from Grand View and Rick Lammerts obtained two easy saves.
At the half, both teams were deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half was not much different from the first. The intensity was felt from all over the pitch and the box score agreed. There were a combined 17 fouls and 5 yellow cards in the back half of the game.
The tie was broken in the 63rd minute when the Vikings' corner kick found Paulo Marques' head to make it a 1-0 match, giving the Raiders 27 more minutes to mount a comeback.
Northwestern dealt with a lot of pressure in the last third of the match, but the back line held strong. However, not much pressure was put on Grand View's goalkeeper until the final 10 minutes.
In the 80th minute Drew Darnold shot a header from the left side where it pin balled between some defenders and came up inches away from becoming the game tying goal.
Only moments later Northwestern had a free kick 5 yards inside midfield. Stan van den Beld launched the ball into the box where Nikko Helderop headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1 in the 83rd minute.
Grand View and Northwestern found themselves each with a pair of solid opportunities to add to the score, but both came out empty handed as the clock struck zero.
GAME NOTES
Up Next: Northwestern plays on the road on Saturday September 7th, facing Park in non-conference action.
