Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

TACOMA, WASH. --- The Pacific Lutheran Men's Soccer team's season came to an end on Saturday as they drew against the Carleton Knights but ultimately lost in penalty kicks, 4-1.
 
In a battle of one of the nation's best offensive units in the Lutes, against a strong defensive unit in the Knights, both teams proved to be evenly matched. The offenses traded shots early in the first half, with Dane Helle, Trevor Thompson, Alex White, and Robby Guyer all taking attempts.
 
The Knights countered with a pair of shots of their own but were offline.
 
The two teams entered the second half tied 0-0, but the Knights came out with some pressure, firing two shots that were saved by Lutes senior goalkeeper Nicholas Gaston. Thompson countered with shots that were ultimately saved due to strong efforts from the Knights goalkeeper.
 
Trading shots throughout the entirety of the final half, Thompsons attempts were stopped short, meanwhile the Knights found the right post. The final ten minutes of the second half were high-stress with Robby Guyer and Owen Bliskis applying pressure but unable to break the ice.
 
In the 88^th minute, Craig Johnson's best look hit the crossbar and bounced down near the end line, but was ruled outside of the goal and in the field of play. The two teams would take the 0-0 game into extra time.
 
The first ten-minutes overtime period began with two Knights shots being blocked, then the Lutes took control of a physical battle but once again could not beat the tough Knight keeper. Christian Pineda and Alex White earned yellow cards late in the overtime period. Both teams took one shot-on-goal in the final overtime period, but both keepers made impressive saves.
 
In penalty kicks, the Knights started first and scored on their first attempt. Johnson took the first shot for the Lutes, but the Knights keeper saved the ball in the lower-left corner of the goal. The Knights also executed on their second attempt, meanwhile Alvin Kamau was on the wrong side of a great diving save by the Knights goalkeeper. Once again, the Knights put the game on the line after extending their lead to 3-0 following their third strike. Cole Dobson made the third attempt for the Lutes. The Knights would put the game on ice after their fourth striker executed on his attempt, advancing on penalty kicks, 4-1.

POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE


 
The Lutes concluded a history and record-breaking season that featured one of the best statistical teams in the John Yorke era. The Lutes finished with a 14-2-5 overall record, featuring an impressive 8-0 at home, and 6-1-2 on the road. PLU Men's Soccer once again captured the Northwest Conference title under Yorke. The Lutes were a staple in the national United Soccer Coaches rankings to close out the season, finishing the regular season with a No.14 team ranking.
 
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