TACOMA, WASH. --- The Pacific Lutheran Women's Soccer team returned home from their road trip and defeated the George Fox Bruins 3-0, thanks to all three goals early in the second half.
 
The Lutes applied pressure right out of the gates with two shots each coming from seniors Alyssa Leong and Meghan Michels, but neither could beat the goalkeeper. The Bruins quickly countered with numerous shots of their own but the lone shot on-target was saved by sophomore goalkeeper Abby Winkler.
 
From the 16^th minute and forward, the Lutes possessed the ball for the large majority of the half. Six more shots were fired by the Lutes, with only one being on target and eventually saved by the Bruins keeper. Junior forward Julia Causbie had an open look in the final minute of the half, but found the upper left crossbar. The Lutes lead the statistical categories in the first half, outshooting the Bruins 11-4, while Winkler made three saves.
 
The second half started just as the first. Except this time, junior Hannah Cecil was able to beat the keeper and put the Lutes ahead 1-0 in the 51^st minute.
 
Continuing to apply the pressure following the opening goal, senior Lily Dose added to the lead following a pass from senior Alyssa Leong.
 
Leong scored a goal of her own in the 66^th minute to further extend the Lutes lead to 3-0. Senior Joelle Buck was credited with the assist on Leong's score.
 
The Lutes defense remained tough for the remainder of the contest, allowing just one shot in the final 20 minutes, and two for the entire second half.

"I thought we played well all game. Credit to George Fox, they defended really well and made it a difficult first half." said Head Coach Seth Spidahl. 

"It was not an easy game for sure, but we kept taking shots and getting corners and eventually found our way through in the second half.We showed really good maturity and discipline, and played some really good soccer. It was good to be back at home and play in front of family and friends. We're excited to get back after it tomorrow. Go Lutes!"
 
With their second half performance, the Lutes outshot the Bruins by a final margin of 23-6, with nine Lutes shots on-target. Winkler finished the contest with three total saves and her seventh clean sheet of the season. As a team, the Lutes remain their first-place lead with five regular season contests remaining; four of which are at home.
 
The Lutes will look to take their momentum into tomorrow's match at home against the Linfield Wildcats at 12 p.m.
 
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