Nick Gerhardt
Big 9 Conference leader Rochester Mayo halted Northfield’s three-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory at Memorial Field in Northfield.
The Spartans (11-1, 8-1 Big 9) got a goal from Alec McBane in the 64th minute to give Rochester Mayo a 2-0 lead. McBane’s goal ended up as the game-winner following a late rally from the Raiders (5-5-1, 5-3 Big 9).
Tate Narveson found himself open at the back post in the 77th to score off his own rebound. The Spartans blocked Narveson’s initial shot, which came after an impressive run near the touch line from Manny Ramriez, who played a ball just outside the 6-yard box. Narveson’s goal made it 2-1 and gave Northfield a spark.
Rochester Mayo extended its winning streak to nine games after netting a goal in the 11th minute. Kymani Chitulangoma collected a cross for an easy right-footed finish to give the Spartans an early lead.
After netting 12 goals in the previous two games, including a 5-0 win over a previously undefeated Winona squad Tuesday, the Raiders struggled to generate quality scoring chances. Northfield managed just one corner kick in the game as Rochester Mayo played a stifling defense that limited time and space for the Raiders.
The loss dropped Northfield to 1-4-1 in section meetings, which puts the Raiders sixth in those standings. Northfield faces Mankato West Saturday in Mankato.