WALLA WALLA, WASH. --- The Pacific Lutheran Men's Soccer team completed their regular season trips to eastern Washington on Sunday, defeating the Blues 3-1.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Blues began the game on the offensive and applied pressure but the Lutes defense didn't allow a shot. Once the Lutes gained possession again, senior Craig Johnson found an open look off of a pass from senior Dane Helle. Johnson found the back of the net in the 7^th minute, giving the Lutes an early 1-0 lead.
 
With the Lutes next three shots for the Lutes missing off-target, the Blues were able to counter with a goal in the 20^th minute, beating senior goalkeeper Nicholas Gaston and tying the game at 1-1. Senior defender Cole Dobson was issued a yellow card shortly after in the 22^nd minute, his second yellow card over the weekend.
 
The Lutes consistently applied pressure in the offensive zone which paid off when junior Trevor Thompson beat the Blues keeper in the 30^th minute to give the Lutes a 2-1 lead. Thompson's goal earned an assist for Johnson as well.
 
The Lutes would take a 2-1 lead into the half after outshooting the Blues 6-1.
 
The Blues came out of the half aggressive, firing a shot within the first minute that was saved by Gaston. In the 48^th minute consecutive yellow cards were issued to Romero on the Blues and freshman Alvin Kamau for the Lutes. Freshman Alex Coope also picked up a yellow card of his own in the 55^th minute.
 
As Gaston continued to make crucial saves, senior Robby Guyer fired a shot into the upper left corner of the Blues goal; giving the Lutes a 3-1 lead.
 
Both teams would trade shots for the remainder of the game, but none were on target. The Lutes would go on to beat the Blues 3-1.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
 
The Lutes outshot the Blues by a 13-7 margin as each team had five shots on goal.
 
Gaston made four saves on five shots faced. Thompson lead the Lutes in shots with five, two of which were on target. Johnson took four shots with his only being on target finding the back of the net. Only six Lutes took shots in the game. Helle and Johnson recorded two assists.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
 
The Lutes return home for the week as they prepare to face George Fox and Linfield on East Field next Saturday and Sunday, October 21^st and 22^nd, at 2:30 p.m.
 
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