Box Score Written by Student Assistant Jake Bilyeu
SALEM, Ore. – Two goals in a 10-minute window put the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team on the wrong end of a 2-0 decision against Willamette University on Sunday in a Northwest Conference tilt at Sparks Field.
The Lutes (5-5-2, 2-3-1 NWC) and the Bearcats (6-3-0, 4-2-0 NWC) held each other scoreless for the first half, as the Lutes defense absorbed eight shots while the Bearcats stopped seven shots from the Lutes. The Bearcats took the first lead of the game in the 69th minute when Noah Walin scored off of a pass from Jack Elton. Elton then added to the Bearcats' lead in the 78th minute, scoring on a penalty kick, which was awarded after a foul was called on PLU. The Lutes had some chances to score late, but were unable to capitalize, ultimately falling 2-0.
"The team played really well today," head coach John Yorke said. "I was proud of how hard we competed and our soccer was good. Like yesterday, we didn't finish chances that presented themselves to us early in the game and that came back to bite us."
Jack Rose played a full game for the Lutes at goalie, grabbing seven saves while allowing two goals. Willamette goalie Josh Fuentes played 82 minutes for the Bearcats, getting six saves while not allowing any goals.
The Lutes return home to East Field, hosting the University of Puget Sound next Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Although the Lutes didn't fully capitalize on their opportunities this weekend, they still sit just two games behind first place in the Northwest Conference. A win next week against the rival Loggers would give them a big boost in the standings, and Yorke is confident that his team will deliver next weekend.
"The guys will be ready for next week."
