Sept. 4, 2002

ARCATA, Calif. - Paul Nissley (So., Mount Vernon) scored two goals and David Schlesinger (So., Missoula, MT/Big Sky) had two assists as Western Washington University picked up its first victory of the season, defeating Humboldt State University, 3-1, in men's soccer action Wednesday.

The Vikings improved to 1-2-0, spoiling the home debut for Humboldt State which suffered its third loss in as many games.

"We definitely needed this one and we got it and now hopefully we can build on that," said Western coach Travis Connell.

Nissley got Western on the board in the sixth minute, with Schlesinger and David Hileman (Jr., Pasco) getting assists. Schlesinger assisted on a goal by Ian Weinberg (Sr., Seattle/Garfield) in the 41st minute to give the Vikings a 2-0 lead at halftime.

"Paul (Nissley) played one of his best games," Connell said. "He's a very talented player and both his goals were excellent ... When David (Schlesinger) is working hard, he creates chances for us and he was very dangerous today."

Humboldt State cut the deficit in half on a goal by Grant Dubois in the 66th minute. The Lumberjacks appeared to have tied the game a short time later when Luke Scott sent a ball into the net. However, a foul was called on the play and the goal disallowed.

Nissley scored an insurance goal for Western with a minute remaining as he headed a pass from Filomon Afenegus (So., Spokane/North Central) off the post and into the net.

The Vikings had a slim 10-9 edge in shots and Humboldt State had a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Ben Dragavon (Fr., Monroe) had three saves for Western and Andrew Byers made five saves for the Lumberjacks. Western completes in five-game road swing through Northern California with contests at Chico State on Friday (7:30 p.m.) and nationally No.10-ranked UC Davis on Sunday (12 noon).