McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Mark Lee scored the deciding goal in the 70th minute as Pacific Lutheran rallied from a deficit to defeat the host Linfield Wildcats, 2-1, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer match played Saturday.

With the win the Lutes improve to 8-6-1 overall and 7-3 in Northwest Conference play. The win, combined with Pacific's overtime loss at Whitman, moved the Lutes to within a point of Pacific at the top of the conference standings. The Wildcats slide to 6-7-1 on the season and 5-5-0 in the NWC.

Linfield struck first, scoring when Carter Elhabbassi converted Kevin Donato's corner kick into a goal in the 20th minute.

Trailing 1-0, the Lutes held the 'Cats scoreless over the next 70 minutes. On the other end of the field, junior forward Spencer Augustin broke through the last line of Linfield defenders before slipping a shot into the left corner of the net. Ausgustin's unassisted goal, his second tally of the season, came in the 25th minute.

Pacific Lutheran outshot Linfield 9-4 in the first half on the way to a 15-7 advantage in that category for the game.

Despite attempting only three corner kicks during the match, the Lutes made the most of their opportunities. With 20 minutes remaining in the match, Surafel Wodajo laced a corner kick into the box that Lee was able to control before he slipped a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net. The goal was Lee's first of the season and also netted Wadajo his team-high ninth assist of the campaign.

After giving up an early goal to Elhabbassi, Pacific Lutheran goalkeeper Joe Rayburn held the 'Cats scoreless, finishing with four saves in the win.

Cody Tipton recorded six saves for the Wildcats in the loss.

(Courtesy of Linfield Sports Information Office.)