SAINT PAUL, Minn. - A bicycle kick goal in the waning seconds of the first half proved to be just enough to derail the Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team on Saturday, falling 1-0 to host University of Saint Thomas in the opening round of the 2018 NCAA Division III Tournament.

"I'm really proud of the guys and their effort today," said Head Coach John Yorke. "I thought we played and competed very well. Credit to Saint Thomas for being a good team and getting the win but I thought we played well enough that if a couple of big plays would have gone the other way we could have just as easily earned the win."

The Lutes (13-6-2) tallied the opening four shots on goal in a frigid Minnesota day that saw the wind chill dip into single digits. The fifth shot on frame turned out to be the dagger for the homestanding Tommies (15-3-2) with Halvor Houg scoring on a bicycle kick with five seconds left on the clock in the opening half. UST's George Marty was credited with the assist as the home side took a 1-0 lead into the break despite PLU owning an 8-7 edge in shots.

Neither team's offense was able to generate any goals in the final 45 minutes as the Tommies claimed the win and advanced to tomorrow's second round.

UST held a slim 10-9 edge in shots but the Lutes held a 5-3 edge in shots on target while taking eight corner kicks to the Tommies' four.

Among the Lute scoring chances on the day was a shot from Chris Trussel in the sixth minute that ricocheted off the crossbar.

RJ Noll logged all 90 minutes between the posts, finishing with two saves. UST's Aidan Hogan stopped five shots to secure the clean sheet.

Saturday's match was the Lutes first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2011 season. It was also the final collegiate match for seniors Ben Blakely, Joe Sammartino, Holton Halfaker, Elijah James Hurt, Spencer Hokama, Chris Trussel, RJ Noll and Tanner Premo. The eight seniors have made a tremendous impact over the last four seasons, compiling a 49-24-7 record on the field, winning two Northwest Conference titles.

"This is a special senior class. They've put in a lot of work to not only be good soccer players but also set a culture and be great teammates. I'm very thankful to have been able to be a part of a four-year experience with these guys."