TACOMA, Wash. — Chris Jamrok made eight saves against his former team while
Mike Murega tallied the game winner as the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer squad wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a 2-1 victory over University of California-Santa Cruz on Sunday at East Field.
The visiting Banana Slugs (3-1) entered the game unbeaten and unscored upon, having already played a trio of Northwest Conference schools.
Landon Sexton ended UCSC's shutout streak in the 41st minute, finding the back of the net off a pass from
Ty Brunner. The Lute lead would be fleeting with the Slugs scoring an equalizer in the 44th minute as the two squads entered the half deadlocked at 1-1.
Mike Murega was the hero in the second half, coming off the bench and scoring the eventual game-winner in the 69th minute with
Quinn Bieber setting up the score. It was the sophomore's first career game-winner and third career goal. The Lutes (1-3) would fend off the Banana Slugs the rest of the day in a gritty and physical game that saw 22 fouls and six yellow cards.
"Today was the perfect end to a very challenging preseason," said Head Coach
John Yorke.
"Santa Cruz is a good team and we had to really fight and compete with not only them but ourselves to find that result today. I thought our whole team rose to the challenge of ending our preseason in a positive way."
Jamrok earned the win in goal, making eight saves in 90 minutes of work against his former team. Tobias Jacobson-Bell was on the opposite side of the field, making one save and allowing two goals.
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"It was an excellent goal for the game winner by Mike. We had good defending by the back four and as a team and
Yuta Shimazu was excellent today. I think we showed steady improvement throughout the preseason and feel like we're ready to get started in a very difficult NWC."
The two-time defending NWC Champion Lutes begin their title defense on Saturday, Sept. 20, hosting George Fox University. Kickoff at East Field is set for 12:45 p.m.
