Lutes Put End to Long Winless Streak Against Linfield With 2-0 Triumph

Daniel Mangum - notches the shutout

Box Score

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – Pacific Lutheran ended nearly a decade of men's soccer frustration against Linfield, beating the Wildcats, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference match played Sunday at Curtis High School.

Pacific Lutheran had not defeated Linfield in men’s soccer since September of 1998, but that drought of 17 winless decisions – 16 losses and one tie – came to an end when the Lutes scored a pair of second half goals.

The first tally came at 60:58 when Michael Ferguson’s cross was touched on by Trevor Jacka to Jason Bjorgo, who finished past Linfield goalkeeper Mike Belzberg. The goal was the fourth of the season for Bjorgo. Ferguson had an assist on the second goal as well when his corner kick was tipped out to the top of the box where Ryan Hanna slammed it into the net at the 73:37 mark. The goal was the fourth this season for Hanna.

Linfield almost got one goal back with about four minutes remaining but Daniel Mangum tipped Hunter Spencer’s long drive over the crossbar.

Pacific Lutheran finished the match with a 10-7 advantage in shots, though Linfield had six corner kicks to four for the home team. Mangum finished with four saves and Belzberg had three for the Wildcats.

With the victory, the Lutes improve to 5-1-0 in the Northwest Conference and to 7-5-0 overall. Linfield is now 2-4-1 in the conference and 6-4-1 overall.

- PLU -