SALEM, Ore. – Nathaniel Chaney touched a left-footed shot into the net in the 76th minute for the go-ahead goal, lifting Corban University to a 2-1 victory over upset-minded College of Idaho at Warrior Field.
The No. 7 ranked Warriors (11-0, 6-0 CCC) remained unbeaten on the season, but faced their stiffest test of the campaign – including surrendering their first goal of the season after nine shutouts.
The Yotes (5-3, 4-3) played toe-to-toe with the nationally-ranked foe, striking first in the 17th minute. Brandon Smith played a pretty cross on a counter-attack to the waiting Mehmed Selimovic, who slotted home the counter past Corban keeper Jordan Farr.
The lead did not last long, as the Warriors answered a minute later. Quamie Dinnall made an outstanding run and was stopped by C of I keeper Grant Billings, but the rebound found the foot of Nic Farr, who ripped a left-footed shot into the net for the equalizer.
Billings and the Coyote defense kept the Warriors at bay for nearly the next 60 minutes – making five tough saves and coming off his line multiple times to stuff out Corban chances.
C of I had chances midway through the second half to take the lead – getting three-straight corner kicks in the 63rd minute, while a header by Jorge Brambila inside the six-yard box in the 73rd minute missed just wide.
Chaney broke the tie late in the match, getting a great through-ball from Dinnall, with his first chance pushed wide by Billings, but collected the ball and hit a low drive that eluded two C of I defenders on the goal line for the 2-1 lead.
The physical contest featured 46 fouls and six cautions. Corban held a 15-9 edge in total shots, while C of I had a 7-3 edge in corner kicks.
The Yotes return to action tomorrow, traveling to Northwest Christian for a 3 p.m. (PT) start.
