Nc’S Cushman Shines

Brad Cushman saw to it that North Central’s one-goal cushion held up.

NC goalkeeper Cushman recorded 15 saves, including two shots from within 8 feet, as the Indians (5-2, 2-0) edged Mead 2-1 Wednesday night to remain in first place in GSL boys soccer.

The Indians notched the winning goal at Mead Junior High when Dustin Allbery stole the ball mid-way through the second half and scored to the right post. After that, Cushman survived an onslaught of shots by the Panthers (6-3, 1-1), including a goal that was waved off for roughing the goalkeeper.

Aaron Fielder scored at 28 minutes for NC, then Mead’s Matt Folsom answered with a shot that was actually an attempted pass.

Elsewhere, it was: Ferris 2, Lewis and Clark 0; Shadle Park 2, University 1; Mt. Spokane 3, Rogers 0; and Gonzaga Prep 5, Central Valley 0.

At Ferris, Abbas Faridnia had a hand in both goals as the Saxons (3-4, 1-1) defeated LC (3-4, 0-2). Faridnia’s first-half free kick from 20 yards went over a wall of defenders and was punched in by Billy Sleeth when the Tigers’ goalkeeper lost control. Faridnia scored midway through the second half on a 2-yard chip-in after a Garth Cummings feed.

At U-Hi, Zach Kingsley participated in both goals as Shadle Park (5-2, 1-1) rallied for a 2-1 win over the Titans (4-3, 1-1). Shadle tied the game late in the first half when Kingley dribbled down most of the field and dumped the ball to Charles Howlett, who was one-on-one with the goalie. Kingley scored the winner at 78 minutes when three U-Hi defenders had a mixup. David Massey’s crossing pass split the defenders for Grant Falco’s walk-in goal at 28 minutes.

At Mt. Spokane, Jeff Paulus set up the first score and added a late insurance goal as the Wildcats (2-5, 1-1) defeated Rogers (0-7, 0-2) for their first win in league history.