FOREST GROVE - Sean Mills netted his fourth goal in three
matches and his second game-winner of the weekend Sunday as Pacific
knocked off Pacific Lutheran, 1-0, in a Northwest Conference's
men's soccer match at Lincoln Park Stadium.
Avery Neal started the scoring opportunity in the 86th
minute with a long throw-in from the right sideline that
bounced into the middle of the penalty area. The ball grazed
off a PLU defender, bounced high and found the head of Mills, who
touched it in to the left side of the net just along the crease.
Neal earned credit for his fourth assist of the season.
The strike capped a hard fought, aggressive match between the two
sides. Pacific (8-2-1, 4-1-1 NWC) outshot the Lutes 14-11 and
had a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal. Pacific Lutheran
(7-4-0, 4-2-0 NWC) held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.
PLU pressed the pace early, coming up with four shots on goal in
the first 25 minutes. The Lutes had their best early
opportunity in the 21st minute when Surafel Wodajo caught Pacific
goalkeeper Andrew Stevermer out of position and fired a shot from
eight yards. Stevermer dove, punching the ball to the left
side of the box. Andy Hyres had a look at a second scoring
opportunity, but the attempt rolled wide.
Pacific put two opportunities on goal in the opening 45 minutes but
PLU goalkeeper Brian Kostol made saves on both shots.
In the second half, it was Pacific who made the offensive surge
as it spent most of the stanza in the Boxers' offensive zone.
Antonio Madeddu had Pacific's first quality opportunity of the half
in the 55th minute, and Devin Shull also had a good look
with a header from eight yards out in the 71st minute. Both
attempts resulted in diving saves by Kostol.
Pacific's Stevermer registered his fourth shutout of the season and
saw his scoreless streak extend to 394 minutes. He made five
saves in the winning effort as the Boxers posted their third
shutout in the last four matches. Kostol made five saves in
the loss.
Pacific Lutheran will play next Sunday at cross-town rival Puget
Sound.
(Courtesy of Pacific Sports Information Office.)
