(PHOENIX) Top-ranked Gilbert Christian boys soccer took down No. 2 Northwest Christian on Tuesday, defeating the Crusaders 2-1 in regulation to improve to 7-0 on the year. The Knights were led by senior Caleb Barnett and junior Noah Cooper, who netted goals in the showdown. 

Barnett was first to light up the Crusaders' scoreboard, blasting a ball past the NWC keeper with 4:37 remaining in the opening period to give the Knights a 1-0 edge at the break. Senior Brody Moore started the scoring sequence with a superb free kick into the box, where junior Lief Littlefield booted the ball back to a waiting Barnett, who broke the drought.   
 

The second half was locked in another stalemate, before junior Nik Vranicic appeared to have had enough, taking over on the break with a perfect left-footed send to a streaking Cooper, who beat his defender for the crucial score.
 

Midway through second, Northwest Christian senior Mason Blair narrowed the margin with an impressive goal of his own, but it would not be enough as the Knights' defense prevailed to secure the hard-fought road victory.
 

Junior Hyatt Lang picked up the win in goal for GCHS. 
 

With the loss, the Crusaders move to 6-2 on the season.
 

Gilbert Christian is back on the field Thursday, January 24th at ALA-West Foothills. The varsity match is scheduled for a 7:00pm start (JV 5:00pm).
 

-GO KNIGHTS-