BELTON, Texas – Twice the Pacific Lutheran men's soccer team gave up goals Saturday.
And twice, the Lutes responded.
Now, PLU (18-3 overall) is into the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament for a second consecutive season thanks to a 4-2 victory against host Mary Hardin-Baylor.
"As soon as they scored, I don't think anyone on the team was nervous or anything," sophomore Trevor Thompson said. "We knew we would get another one right away."
The victory sends the Lutes to the second round of the tournament where they will face St. Thomas (Texas) at 7 p.m. CST on Sunday in Belton.
The Lutes won their opening round matchup a year ago, defeating top-ranked Trinity in penalty kicks. Since that game was technically a draw, Saturday's win was the first national tournament win for the program since 1994.
"The boys played really well today," PLU coach John Yorke said. "They were up for it. We started the game a little too direct, but once we settled in and got in the rhythm of what we wanted to do, it opened up."
Robby Guyer kicked off the game with a goal in the 11th minute off a pass from Thompson. It was a dream start that was briefly ruined by a Crusaders goal in the 34th minute by Jack Bryan.
The game was tied 1-1 at the half, but the Lutes responded early and often in the second 45 minutes.
Thompson scored an absolute golazo, going top shelf to give the Lutes a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute.
"I received the ball and looked up and thought, 'I'm going to hit this as hard as I can,'" Thompson said. "Luckily it was a great shot and hit the side netting just over the goalie's fingers."
Cole Dobson then scored his first goal of the season in the 75th minute off a beautiful corner kick by Ryan Griffith for a 3-1 lead and it seemed like the rout was on.
Instead, the Crusaders (13-3-2) again answered and again it was Bryan, this time in the 80th minute.
"We know how to fight," Dobson said. "This year we have been scored on more than last year, but we have a mentality to never give up and to fight for everything.
"We came in knowing it would be a physical match. We had to come out sharp and strong and that was what we did."
Cris Lozano put the game on ice in the 84th minute after Sammy Tafolla stole the ball near midfield and played it to Craig Johnson in the center of the field. Johnson then sent it out wide to a streaking Lozano, who chipped the keeper for his 10th goal of the season.
"We didn't like the goals we gave up," Yorke said. "What was most important, though, was our response after we got scored on. Both times we responded well."
The Lutes outshot the Crusaders 25-16, including 16-8 on goal. Nicholas Gaston had six saves to earn the victory.
"This feels amazing," Thompson said. "The guys gave it their all. It is really cool and it is great to experience it with my friends and, honestly, what I consider family."
