Box Score
PARKLAND, Wash. – Sophomore Forward Chris Longi scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner with 17 minutes left, as the Northwest Christian University men’s soccer team spoiled the home opener for Pacific Lutheran on Thursday afternoon, 2-1.
The Beacons were out-shot 15-7 and survived 12 corner kicks, including ten in the second half, and came away with their second win of the season, eclipsing the win total from 2009.
NCU opened the scoring at the 14:30 mark when Longi took a through ball from freshman Eddie Hernandez and beat PLU keeper Brian Kostol inside the right post.
Pacific Lutheran pressed for the equalizer throughout the second half, controlling possession, and finally broke through with the tying goal in the 70th minute when Daniele Zaccagnini dribbled into the offensive end, spun to his left and hit a shot from 15 yards out into the upper right corner of the net.
The Lutes barely had time to celebrate as Northwest Christian settled down quickly. Just two minutes later, freshman Brady Sherriff controlled the ball on the right wing, sidestepped a defender and lofted a pass to Longi, unmarked in the box. Longi headed the ball past Kostol just inside the right post for what proved to be the winner.
Pacific Lutheran put six shots on goal, forcing NCU keeper Nick Kratzke to make five saves. Kratzke, however, was busy for the entire night, stopping the numerous corner kicks that came his way.
The Beacons (2-1) will return to action on Saturday against another Northwest Conference opponent as Linfield comes down for a match at 11:00 am.