NEWBERG, Ore. -- Connor O'Brien tallied a goal in each half as the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory over host George Fox University on Friday night to remain in first place in the Northwest Conference standings.
O'Brien opened the scoring in the 16th minute, scoring unassisted to give the Lutes (9-2-2, 7-1-1 NWC) an early advantage. Host George Fox (3-8-2, 3-6-2 NWC) equalized right before halftime, finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute. O'Brien was the hero in the second half, scoring in the 84th minute to secure the win. It was O'Brien's eighth goal of the 2026 campaign with
Ty Brunner and
Caden Davis earning assists.
"Connor stepped up as a senior to find that game-winning goal," said Head Coach
John Yorke.
"We have some very good experienced players and they rose to the occasion to make that play when we needed it. Caden's pass to Ty to unlock it. Ty with an excellent ball, and Connor with great movement to finish. It was a long day and a hard game but we're glad to have found a way to get it done."
PLU outshot George Fox 25-18 over the 90-minute contest, including a 13-6 edge in shots in the opening half. PLU accounted for eight of the 10 shots on goal during the game, including all four shots on frame in the second half.Â
Landon Gordon earned the win in goal, making one save and playing all 90 minutes. Patrick O'Brien made six saves for the Bruins, allowing two goals in 90 minutes of action.
The Lutes close out the Oregon road swing on Sunday, facing Pacific University in Forest Grove. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.Â
