Nov. 3, 2006

Lutes Score Twice in First Half, Goals Stand Up

Match Statistics

Thomas Pedersen - a goal in his first match

Joshua Hooley - shutout in first start

SALEM, Ore. - Pacific Lutheran University defeated Willamette University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer match on Friday, Nov. 3, at Sparks Field.

The win was crucial for the Lutes, who improved to 12-5-1 overall, including 9-3-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette gave up two goals between the 31st and 37th minutes and fell to 1-16-1 overall, 0-12-1 in the NWC.

PLU's goals were scored by Baard Asker, assisted by Mike Ferguson at 30:51, and by Thomas Pedersen, also assisted by Ferguson, at 36:23. Pedersen was playing in his first match of the season after missing most of the schedule due to injury.

PLU controlled the final 15 minutes of the first half and much of the second half. The Lutes ended the game with a 24-2 edge in total shots, including a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal. Willamette goalkeeper Mark Bennett earned eight saves for the Bearcats, while Joshua Hooley made two saves and recorded the shutout for PLU. For Hooley, it was his first complete match of the season after seeing spot duty for much of the 2006 campaign.

The Lutes still harbor hopes of a NCAA Division III postseason playoff spot, but need to beat Linfield on Saturday to keep that hope alive. Even then, it will be up to the tournament selection committee to include the Lutes as a second-place team because Puget Sound wrapped up the conference title with a 1-0 win over Pacific, also on Friday. A tie or loss against Linfield would end PLU's slim playoff hopes.

- PLU -