Walla Walla Community College took a 2-0 lead, only to see Columbia Basin cut the lead in half with 33 minutes left, but the Warriors hung on to post a 2-1 win here Saturday in NWAC East Region men’s soccer action.
The loss was the first for the Hawks in East Region play and dropped their East record to 5-1.
Juan Martinez broke a scoreless tie with an unassisted goal in the 40th minute to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.
WWCC closed out the half with that 1-0 lead.
Enrique Leal scored what proved to be the game winner two minutes into the second half.
Dan Mende assisted on the goal that gave the Warriors a 2-0 lead.
10 minutes later, the Hawks cut the lead to one with an Israel Gonzalez goal off a David Ramirez assist. The Warrior defense was up to the task and blanked the Hawks over the last 33 minutes to take the 2-1 victory.
The Hawks out shot the Warriors 8-7, but WWCC keeper, Alex Grimaldo, made three saves to help deny the Hawks.
Columbia Basin earned five corner kicks to the Warriors three, but the Hawks were also whistled for 13 fouls.
The win boots the Warrior record to 4-2 in the East. Walla Walla hosts Wenatchee Valley at 4:15 Wednesday at the Warrior pitch.
Union Bulletin
