HAMMOND, Ind. – Matt Bahena scored two goals and assisted on another to lead Purdue Northwest in a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Upper Iowa Saturday at Dowling Park.
 
It was the season opener for both squads, as each took the pitch for the first time since facing one another 485 days ago on the same field.
 
PNW's three goals came in a span of 11 minutes in the second half and the Pride held Upper Iowa scoreless in the second frame to rally for the win.
 
The Pride dominated the Peacocks on the scoresheet with a 25-5 advantage in shots, 9-3 in shots on goal and 11 corner kicks to zero.
 
Isaiah Nieves scored the first PNW goal in the 62nd minute off an assist from Bahena, finally putting the Pride on the board after PNW pressured Upper Iowa's end for the majority of the game.
 
Bahena found the back of the net two minutes later for the equalizer off a corner kick by Edin Galvez. Josue Espinoza was also credited with an assist.
 
Then, PNW kept the heat on the visitors' back line which led to Bahena's game-winner in the 73rd minute with a strike from the top of the box.
 
It was the senior's third career game-winner and the second brace of his career. His other one came against Upper Iowa in 2019's road matchup against the Peacocks.
 
Junior goalkeeper Raul Garrido Garcia earned the win between the pipes, his seventh victory of his career.
 
Upper Iowa struck first with a pair of goals by Stan Cargill (18') and Alan Dunlop (47') in the opening half.
 
NEXT UP
PNW travels to Ashland for a conference tilt against the Eagles on Sunday, March 14.