Official NWC Release

HILLSBORO, Ore. —The two-time Northwest Conference Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team raked in the awards on Thursday, winning three of the NWC's four major awards while seven Lutes secured All-Conference accolades.

Trevor Thompson was named the NWC Offensive Player of the Year while Cole Dobson was tabbed the NWC Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. PLU Head Coach John Yorke was tabbed the NWC Coach of the Year for the second straight year and the ninth time in his storied career (2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2003).

Five of PLU's seven Lutes earned First Team All-Conference, including major award winners Thompson and Dobson. Joining those two as First Teamers is Nicholas Gaston, Alvin Kamau, and Craig Johnson. Earned Second Team accolades was Landon Sexton and Christian Pineda. 
 
Trevor Thompson earns First Team All-NWC for the second straight season and is the program's 10th NWC Offensive Player of the Year since the award was created in 2023. The Olympia, Washington native ended the regular season ranked second nationally in total points and third nationally in total goals. The forward played all 21 games this season, setting school single-season records for both goals (23) and points (58). Thompson additionally smashed the PLU career record for both goals (55) and points (143).

Cole Dobson secures both First Team All-NWC for the fourth time in his career and NWC Defensive Player of the Year for the third consecutive season. The Spokane, Washington native played and started in 20 games this season, logging 1,674 for a defense that collected six shutouts and allowed just 21 goals all year. The defender also added some offense for the Lutes, finishing the year with two goals and one assist.
 
Nicholas Gaston earns First Team All-Conference for the fourth consecutive year. The Mililani, Hawaii native started all 21 games in goal for the Lutes, making 75 saves and boasting a 1.05 goals against average. Gaston broke the school record for minutes played by a goalkeeper (7,296) and ranks second all-time in both career saves (288) and career shutouts (23).

Last season's NWC Rookie of the Year, Alvin Kamau earns All-Conference honors for the second straight year. The Nairobi, Kenya native is a First Team selection after securing Second Team honors last fall. Kamau was part of the stingy Lute defense that allowed just 21 goals all season. The sophomore showed his versatility as a player, collecting two assists on the season in addition to the game-winning goal against Pacific University on Nov. 2.

Craig Johnson joins teammates Dobson and Gaston as a four-time First Team All-League honoree. The Puyallup, Washington native wrapped up the 2024 season with 11 goals and 11 assists, including two game winning goals. Johnson closes his storied career as the school record holder in assists (37) while ranking second all-time in career goals (52) and career points (141), and fourth in game-winning goals (12). 

Landon Sexton earns All-Conference honors for the first time in his career as a Second Team selection. The Olympia, Washington native played all 21 games this fall, part of that stout defense that allowed just 11 goals in NWC action. The sophomore additionally had two assists on the year.

Christian Pineda earns All-Conference recognition for the second straight year. The Puyallup, Washington native is a Second Team selection this fall and was an Honorable Mention pick during the 2023 season. Pineda played all 21 games with the midfielder scoring three goals with two assists. That includes netting the game winner in PLU's victory over Lewis & Clark College on Sept. 28. 

Pacific Lutheran won the NWC title for the second straight season while making its sixth consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Lutes closed the year with a 13-3-5 overall record and an 11-1-4 mark in league play while finishing the season with a 7-0-2 record at East Field.