THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – It was a great all-around performance from the California Lutheran University men's soccer team as two first-half goals and Owen Ebner's 86thminute penalty save led the Kingsmen to a 2-1 victory over Lake Forest College, Friday night inside William Rolland Stadium.
CLU was on the front foot from the start, controlling the ball in the opponent's half and looking lively on the attack in the early minutes.
The Kingsmen were quick to break through when Daniel Pacheco intercepted a defender's errant pass and slipped a ball through to Aaron Winsick. The forward stayed calm and composed in front of goal as he expertly slotted his one-touch finish into the back of the net to give his team a 1-0 lead in the 8thminute of play.
Cal Lutheran continued their pressing play, looking to double their advantage. They did just that in the 36thminute when they won a corner. Pacheco was selected as the man to whip in the cross and he managed to find Igor Lumbrano for a free header in the box, which he promptly headed just under the crossbar to make it 2-0.
CLU would go into the break feeling confident about their two-goal lead, but the Foresters would come into the second half with much more intent to push the tempo.
In the 56thminute, Kobi Saito was shown a yellow after being forced to drag down a Lake Forest attacker to prevent an attacking opportunity. From the ensuing free kick, Ebner showed his quality, making an incredible double save to preserve the two-goal advantage.
The Foresters would eventually get one goal back after winning another free kick near the penalty area. Erik Truitt would eventually get the final touch after a scramble in the box and poke the ball into the back of the net to make the score 2-1.
With less than five minutes to play, Lake Forest was awarded a penalty with a chance to level the score. Ebner was up to the task, however, and made the save the Kingsmen needed to preserved the 2-1 win.
It was a physical matchup as Cal Lutheran picked up four yellow cards and 13 fouls on the night.
Winsick and Lumbrano each scored their first goal of the season while Pacheco grabbed two assists. Ebner made four saves between the posts for the Kingsmen.
CLU will complete their nonconference schedule when they take on George Fox Sept. 15 at 12 p.m. inside William Rolland Stadium, looking for their third consecutive win.
Interview with Pacheco and Ebner:
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Release by Jeff Rebello, Assistant Sports Information Director
