SPOKANE, Wash. --- The Pacific Lutheran Men's Soccer team (13-1-5, 11-0-4 NWC) overcame a 1-0 deficit late in the second half to remain undefeated in Northwest Conference play, defeating the Whitworth Pirates (10-7-2, 8-5-2 NWC) on Saturday morning, 2-1.
 
In a very physical game between two teams near the top of the NWC Men's Soccer table, both squads early chances were sniffed out by each goalkeeper. But it was the Pirates who broke the ice in the 37^th-minute, netting a free kick that put Whitworth up 1-0. Both seniors Trevor Thompson and Craig Johnson, each vying for their spots at the top of the PLU scoring record books, had chances in the closing minutes of the first half, but missed the target wide.
 
Following a 26-minute scoring drought that saw 10 Lute attempts, Thompson connected with sophomore Connor O'Brien in the 71^st-minute, beating the Pirates goalkeeper and knotting the game back up at 1-1. The Lutes defense held strong to end the game, holding the Pirates to just three final attempts, meanwhile, career goals record holder, Trevor Thompson netted a game-winner in the 86^th minute to lift the Lutes over the Pirates, 2-1.
 
After already locking up the second consecutive Northwest Conference title, PLU Men's Soccer remains unbeaten in conference play, boasting an impressive 11-0-4 record, including a four-game winning streak thanks to outscoring their opponents, 17-2.
 
After being held scoreless for 71-minutes, the Lutes offense took a whopping 24 shots in the game, while the defense held the Pirates to just seven with five on-target. Goalkeeper Nicholas Gaston made four saves, with three coming in the second half. Johnson was not able to find the back of the net while leading the Lutes in shots with seven, while Thompson's one goal and one assist came on five total shots. O'Brien and Bliskis each had two on-frame, with the former netting the equalizer.
 
Men's Soccer closes out the regular season tomorrow in Walla Walla, Washington, at 11 a.m. as they are set to take on the Whitman Blues.
 
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