By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Pacific Lutheran men's soccer team escaped with a win off a late score Saturday afternoon on the road against Pacific, as the Lutes found the net with exactly one minute remaining in regulation to claim the 1-0 win.

While the Lutes' first match against Pacific was far from competitive, as five goals in the second half allowed the Lutes to cruise to victory, this game was much different. Pacific would not let the Lutes come away with an easy win this time around.

"The second time you play someone, especially on the road, can be difficult," PLU head coach John Yorke said."Pacific is a good team, and they performed well today."

While Pacific kept the Lute offense off the board for almost the entire day, it wasn't for lack of opportunities. The Lutes outshot the Boxers 19-3 for the game, but Boxer goakeeper Leyton Thommasen saved the first seven shots on goal that were sent his way.

After a scoreless first half, the Lutes finally found the back of the net as the game neared its completion. Shortly after Pacific's Matt Kimball was red-carded in the 86th minute, Joel Frykholm took a pass from Diego Aceves and kicked in his first goal of the season with exactly one minute on the clock. The late strike didn't give the Boxers enough time to respond, and the Lutes were able to get the narrow road win. Mike Arguello earned his career-best fifth shutout of the year.

"We were not consistent in our decision-making in our attack and tried to force too many balls into places that were not available," Yorke said. "In the end, it was a great finish by Joel on a great pass from Diego, and an excellent fight by our team to get the result."

The Lutes improved to 14-4 overall and 10-2 in conference play and remain one point behind ninth-ranked Whitworth in the NWC standings. PLU squares off against George Fox Sunday at 1:30. While the team got off to a shaky start Saturday and narrowly pulled out the win, coach Yorke still expressed pride in the makeup and growth of the team.

"I can't say enough about the quality of character that this team possesses and their willingness to do what it takes to get the job done," Yorke said.