SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - A three-goal explosion over a six minute stretch early in the second half helped The College of Idaho erase a halftime deficit, as the Yotes won for the first time in 2012, defeating Northwest Christian, 4-1
The victory for the Coyotes (1-5-2, 1-3 CCC) ended a seven match winless streak and was the first time since the 2006 season that The C of I scored four goals in one half.
In a game that featured six cards (including one ejection) and 41 total fouls, the Yotes got the equilizer five minutes into the second half on a driving shot into the right corner of the net by Emilio Yomaha. Three minutes later, Joseph Bolin took a cross from Drew Smith and slotted a ball into the left corner of the net for a 2-1 lead. Mike Meyer made it 3-1 in the 57th minute with a 20-yard strike from the right side into the left corner of the net. The C of I capped the scoring in the final minute, as Chenjerai Simpson tallied an unassisted goal.
"I was very proud of our players tonight," said head coach Brian Smith. "We played with poise throughout and got the result that week very much needed."
Both teams had chances early, as Bolin clanged a shot off the post in the third minute, with NCU's Isaiah Blake craking a shot off the left post a minute later. The Beacons (2-6-1, 0-3-1) got on the board in the 26th minute, as Stephen Rock dribbled into the box, getting C of I keeper Colin Benham-Marin off his line, slotting a pass to Nathan Ruter for an easy goal. It was one of only two shots on frame by the hosts tonight.
The C of I held an 18-10 edge in total shots, and had two of the three corner kicks in the match. NCU was whistled for 27 fouls in the loss, along with three cautions and a red card.
The Yotes return to action tomorrow afternoon with a 3 p.m. (PT) match at Corban University.
