Late Goal by Palushaj Lifts Oilers Over Timberwolves

Box Score

Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay men's soccer team snagged a victory at home against the Northwood University Timberwolves on Thursday, Sep. 22 as a late goal gave the Oilers a 1-0 win. With that victory, Findlay improves to 5-2 on the year with a 3-1 mark in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play while Northwood falls to 3-2-4 overall and 2-2-1 in the G-MAC. Findlay has now won three in a row in their series with the Timberwolves.

For the entirety of the contest it was the Oilers who controlled the ball and the pace of play. While the scoreboard ended in just a one-goal victory, the game largely felt as though it could have been more as multiple opportunities turned to near misses.

Findlay used an onslaught of shots to wear down Northwood, outshooting the team from Midland, Michigan 16-to-7 in the contest.

Finally, in the 88^th minute, the Oilers capitalized on an opportunity. Junior Peyton Trask, working the ball into the right corner of the field, crossed a ball in front of the net where sophomore Christian Palushaj's diving header attempt found the back of the net, giving Findlay the lead. The goal is the fifth of the year for Palushaj.

Palushaj led the Oilers with four shots while junior Nick McCracken and junior Mitchell Hanosh each had three shots.

Senior goalkeeper Andrew Boulton did not allow a goal in 90 minutes of action, making three saves on the day.

It was somewhat of a chippy contest on Thursday as each team totaled double-digit fouls with Northwood ending at 16 and Findlay at 13. However, it was Northwood who picked up the severe penalties as they would tally four yellow cards in the game while the Oilers had none.

Findlay remains home for the second of five consecutive games at DeHaven Field with a match this Saturday, Sep. 24 against Tiffin. That contest will kick off at 1:00 pm.