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Aug. 29, 2008
Early Goal Nets Gustavus 1-0 Win Over PLU
SPOKANE, Wash. - Ben Eriksson scored the game's only goal in the ninth minute to lift the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties to a 1-0 win over the Pacific Lutheran Lutes in the 2008 men's soccer opener for both teams on Friday afternoon. The game was the opener in the Northwest Capital Management Classic hosted by Whitworth University.
Justin Egleseder lofted a free kick from 35 yards out into the middle of the goalkeeper box,where Eriksson was able to head the ball past PLU keeper Daniel Mangum.
The game was evenly played throughout with perennial NCAA national tournament qualifier Gustavus barely out-shooting PLU 7-6, while the Lutes had a 3-2 edge in corner kicks. Both defenses controlled play with much of the action taking place in the middle third of the field.
The Lutes had an opportunity to tie the score in the final minute when Trevor McDonald's shot from a right angle was just saved over the bar by GAC keeper Luke Strom, forcing a Lute corner kick. Gustavus gained control and moved the ball out of danger, ending PLU's final threat.
Mangum and Strom each finished with a pair of saves.
Whitworth and Gustavus will play for the Classic championship at 10 a.m. Sunday, while PLU and Cal State East Bay will meet in the final match of the Classic at 12:30 p.m.
(Courtesy of Whitworth Sports Information Office)
