Orange City, Iowa – The Raiders worked up some late game magic to get an exciting first conference win of the season. 

Northwestern had full control of the game from kickoff. Possession was in favor of the Raiders and there was constant pressure on the net from the Raiders' front line. Northwestern put on eight shots with four on goal compared to Midland's four shots with one weak attempt on goal as the first half ended. 

This pressure paid off in the 43rd minute when Stan van den Beld whipped in a perfect corner kick that connected with the head of Nino Berger to make it 1-0 Raiders. 

The score remained the same as the first half clock hit zero and the Raiders went into the break with a 1-0 lead. 

It was more of the same in the second half, Midland started getting more pressure on the Raider back line, but nothing to cause concern. For just under half an hour in the second half, no more goals were scored and both defenses held strong. 

By the 72nd minute, chaos broke out at the NWC soccer complex. After a long over the top ball from the Warriors, the ball came inches away from crossing the end line where it was passed backwards and headed in to tie the game at 1-1. 

This controversial goal lit a fire under the Raiders as only six minutes later as Jannes Kuehn lobbed a cross into the box at the feet of Gonzalo Domingo. Domingo passed it to Alex Ruiz at the top of the box where he launched a shot that when off the tips of the keeper's hands and into the back of the net. The Raiders reclaimed a 2-1 lead. 

Northwestern sunk back for the remainder of the game to ensure their lead was safe. Soon enough, the clock hit zero and the Raiders were celebrating their 2-1 victory with the Crowd. 

COMMENTS FROM COACH SWIER 

"Our focus right now is to continue getting better, and I thought we did that tonight. After letting the game slip away on Wednesday against Concordia, it was important for us to convert on our chances. And I was proud of the guys for doing that. Especially after conceding to make it 1-1 and score the game winner at home meant a lot. I think a step forward for us tonight." 

GAME NOTES 

• Nino Berger scored his first career goal 

• Stan van den Beld claimed his 21st career assist, 5 behind the program record 

• Alex Ruiz took four shots with two on goal 

• Jannes Kuehn gave good minutes for the Raiders off the bench, also picking up an assist 

Up Next: Northwestern will be on the road Wednesday September 25th, facing Dakota Wesleyan in conference action.