By: Brennan LaBrie
The Pacific Lutheran University men’s soccer team had a successful weekend at home, beating Whitworth University 1-0 on Saturday, October 20, and tying with Whitman University 2-2 the day after.
This puts them at 8-2-1 in the conference and 12- 4-1 on the season, trailing only Willamette in the conference rankings.
The team’s performance this weekend, as well as Willamette losing one game and tying another, narrows the gap between the two from four points to one—a difference of one tie. PLU is one win away from their pursuit of Willamette for the conference title, which is better than their record last year. They ended up matching Willamette’s record at the end last year, but a tiebreaker placed Willamette ahead.
This year, senior Joe Sammartino and his team have their eyes set on the conference title and a trip to the national tournament once more. To do this, they must win their final three games, including a rematch against Willamette on October 28. The two teams met back in September, with Willamette coming out on top 3-1.
“We believe that we can do it,” says Sammartino, adding that the team has been focusing extra hard at practice in order to achieve their goal.
Although the team is trying not to focus on Willamette’s record and are “just focusing on what we can control,” Sammartino admits the memory of last season’s conclusion motivates the returning players in their pursuit of the national tournament.
“We’re the best team in the conference,” says sophomore midfielder Keegan Dolan, “We just have to show it.”
Sammartino and Dolan invite all students and faculty to come and support the men’s soccer team at their final home game and conference match at PLU on Saturday, November 3 at 12 p.m.
”We could win a conference championship that day, if it works out right,” Sammartino added.
