SPOKANE, Wash. — Craig Johnson had two goals and an assist as the 20th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team returned to the win column on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over host Whitworth University.
 
"Today was a good response to a result that we didn't feel good about yesterday," said Head Coach John Yorke. 
 
"The energy and engagement we put into defending translated into a very good effort for us today. Cris Lozano was a great emotional leader for us today and helped us have an excellent response to a tough day yesterday."
 
Johnson opened the scoring in the 19th minute, finding the upper left corner off a pass from Robby Guyer to take the early 1-0 lead. Trevor Thompson doubled PLU's lead in the 28th minute, scoring off a feed from Johnson for his 10th goal of the year.
 
The host Pirates (7-7-2, 5-5-1 Northwest Conference) got on the board in the 36th minute, closing the gap to 2-1 but Johnson tallied his second score of the day just 15 seconds before halftime, taking a 3-1 lead into the intermission. Johnson's second score was setup by Brandt Kelly and was his 10th goal of the fall.
 
The two teams combined for 24 shots in the second half but neither team was able to produce a score in the final 45 minutes of action.
 
Nicholas Gaston had a career-high 10 saves on the day, playing all 90 minutes between the posts.
 
The Lutes (14-3, 8-3 NWC) are back in action on Saturday, opening up their final homestand of the season with NWC leading Willamette University coming to East Field.