Lutes Defeat Bearcats, 2-0, in Northwest Conference Game

By Timothy Walsh, Athletics Communications Writer

TACOMA, WASH. -- Pacific Lutheran University scored one goal in each half, as the Lutes defeated Willamette University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference women's soccer game. PLU improved its record to 5-4-7 on the season, including 3-5-7 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 5-13-1 overall, 3-11-1 in the conference.

Lauren Larson provided the Lutes with the first goal of the game at 16:14. She scored by tapping in the rebound of her own shot. The play began with a through pass from Hannah Bush before Larson's first shot was blocked by the Willamette defense. Larson shot the rebound into the net from short range. It was her eighth goal of the season.

Neither team scored over the remainder of the first half. Pacific Lutheran almost increased its lead at 68:03, when Larson took a long-range shot that Willamette goalkeeper Nicole Price (Jr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) tipped over the crossbar.

The score remained 1-0 well for another five minutes, until Kristi D'Allesandro of PLU scored from the right side with a shot from a sharp angle. Bush and Larson registered assists on the goal.

Bush started the sequence with a cross from the left side. Larson flicked the ball on with a header from about 18 yards out. D'Allesandro gathered the ball on the right side and sent the ball into the left side of the goal.

The Lutes outshot the Bearcats, 9-3, and earned a 5-2 edge in shots on goal. PLU managed a slim 5-3 advantage in total shots in the second half, as WU recorded all three of its shots in the final 45 minutes.

Willamette's shots were taken by Andi Rowan (Sr., MF, Boise, ID/Timberline HS), Shannon Scott (Sr., D, Bellevue, WA/Sammamish HS) and Sabine Wetzel (Jr., D, Martinez, CA/Camplindo HS).

Pacific Lutheran goalie Marisa Gonzalez earned two saves while claiming the shutout. Price (Jr., Auburn, WA/Thomas Jefferson HS) recorded three saves for the Bearcats. PLU achieved a 2-1 margin in corner kicks.

Willamette will conclude the season on Saturday, Nov. 3, when the Bearcats host Pacific University in a Northwest Conference game. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).