Cards fight until the end

COEUR d'ALENE — "It's a resilient bunch and they just keep fighting."

And in the regular season finale, that's exactly what first-year Cardinal coach Brad Williams wanted from his squad.

Freshman Muhammed Diallo scored in the 88th minute for the Cardinals in a 1-1 Northwest Athletic Conference draw with the Warriors in the season finale at Eisenwinter Field.

NIC finished 2-8-4, 1-7-4 in the NWAC, while Walla Walla (7-2-8, 6-2-4) finished second in the East Region.

"We're a hard team to break down defensively," Williams said. "Walla Walla was getting frustrated not being able to do anything offensively. It was a good, spirited performance by our guys. We definitely never stopped fighting the entire season. This group has a lot of character."

Kael McGowan, a freshman goalkeeper from Post Falls High, had 10 saves for NIC, which will move to the National Junior College Athletic Association next fall.

First half — none. Second half — 1, WWCC, Soren Hanson (Kevin Jimenez), 65:22. 2, NIC, Muhammed Diallo (unassisted), 88:12.

Shots on goal — WWCC 11, NIC 4.

Saves — WWCC, Dylan James 3; NIC, Kael McGowan 10.

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