TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team scored in the closing minutes to earn a 1-1 draw against Willamette University on Saturday afternoon at East Field.
After a scoreless first half, the Lutes and Bearcats traded goals in the final seven minutes of regulation. Willamette struck first in the 84th minute, but Pacific Lutheran responded less than four minutes later to secure the tying point.
Troy Brown scored the tying point for PLU in the 87th minute, finishing a play assisted by Isak Medhaug. The goal was Brown's first of the season and capped a late push by the Lutes to avoid a home defeat.
The Lutes created the majority of the attacking opportunities throughout the contest, out shooting Willamette 10-4. PLU also held a 6-5 advantage in corner kicks, including five in the second half as the home side pressed for a breakthrough.
Neither team managed to score in the opening 45 minutes. Pacific Lutheran generated four shots in the first half and continued to apply pressure after the interval, recording six more attempts in the second period.
Brown led the Lutes with two shots, including one on target and the late goal. Misha Turchaninov also recorded three shots, while Gavin Murphy added two attempts.
The draw moves the Lutes to 10-2-4 overall and 8-1-3 in Northwest Conference play. Willamette moves to 5-5-3 overall and 5-3-3 in conference action.
The Lutes return to East Field next Saturday, Oct. 31, to host Linfield University in a Northwest Conference match up. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Pacific Lutheran will look to build on its performance against Willamette and pick up another important conference result as the regular season enters its final weeks.
