Oct. 29, 2006

PLU Topples Whitworth on Brown’s Header, 1-0

Brennan Brown - Heads home match winner

Match Statistics

TACOMA, Wash. – Brennan Brown, foiled three times earlier in the match by Whitworth goalkeeper Kevin Bostock, scored on a header three minutes into the second half as Pacific Lutheran defeated visiting Whitworth, 1-0, in a men’s soccer match played Sunday at the PLU field.

Brown, a sophomore from Tacoma, slipped behind his defender and headed a cross from Baard Asker into the right side of the goal, his second tally this season. Bostock, who was brilliant throughout the match with five spectacular saves, was unable to stop this one and the Lutes had the only goal they would need.

With the win, Pacific Lutheran improves to 11-5-1 overall and to 8-3-1 in the Northwest Conference. Whitworth is now 9-5-3 this season and 8-3-2 in the conference. The Pirates remain one point ahead of the Lutes in the standings with 26 points (three for a win, one for a tie), though they have played one additional match.

Pacific Lutheran had the statistical advantage with 15 shots to eight for the Pirates, and were it not for Bostock, the Lutes would have had more than just the one goal. Whitworth’s senior goalkeeper from Whitefish, Mont., saved goal-bound efforts from Brown in the 37th and 43rd minutes, and then again in the 47th minute. Brown finally got the match-deciding tally at 48:10.

PLU sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Croft made three saves behind a stout Lute defense to record his eighth shutout of the season.

Both Whitworth and Pacific Lutheran are still hopeful of earning a berth in the NCAA Division III national playoffs, but wins in their final matches are a must. The Lutes conclude their regular season at Willamette on Friday and at Linfield on Saturday. Whitworth hosts Whitman next Saturday in its regular season finale.

- PLU -