Grant Hoskins
Reporter
After an abbreviated season cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the Pacific Lutheran University men’s soccer team has continued to impress the Division III Northwest Conference (NWC). A 0-1 loss to rival University of Puget Sound on October 8 snapped a six game win streak in NWC play, in which the Lutes outscored their opponents 22-0. This hot streak was led by Craig Johnson ‘23, a starting midfielder. In 11 games played so far this season, he leads the team with 11 goal contributions.
However, the electrifying sophomore credits much of his newfound success to the cohesion and teamwork of an overhauled roster.
“I’m surrounded by lots of great players that have helped me achieve that so far,” he said. “Team success is always more important than personal success, but I’m glad I’ve been able to help the team in that aspect. I wanted to be able to contribute with goals this year after last season. I wasn’t on the stat sheet much, so I put in a lot of work during the off-season to help contribute this year.”
Johnson is far from the only player that put in work in the offseason to maintain sensational in-season form. Their formidable defense has landed nine clean sheets while only allowing six goals this season. When this team wins, they win with historic dominance. According to the star sophomore, the team tactics that Coach John Yorke employs on the pitch have contributed significantly to this hot streak.
“Our coach John always stresses the importance of pressing high up the field,” Johnson said. “The higher up the field we can win the ball, the easier it is to score goals, and when we are pressing successfully, that’s when we are at our best.”
The high press strategy reaps the greatest benefits when a team rotates a deep and hard-working roster throughout the season. With the influx of young new talent into the program and an experienced coach at the helm, PLU controls all aspects of the game.
“I think the depth of the team has been one of the biggest factors,” Johnson said. “We’re fortunate to have a lot of talented players that can come in the game and keep the level of play high if not improve it. There are no egos on the team, just a bunch of guys who are willing to do what it takes to win.”
The Lutes, who hold a 6-1 record in conference play and a 9-3 record overall, look to maintain their place atop the NWC standings at home against Willamette University on Saturday, October 16th at 2:30 pm.
