Manu Montal scored two goals to lift the Point Loma men’s soccer to a 2-0 win under the lights over Azusa Pacific and complete a sweep for the all three Sea Lion teams during #BeatAPU Week.
The Sea Lions brought in lights and hosted the first outdoor night game in school history, and it proved to be a difference maker not only in the win but in the stands as PLNU set the men’s soccer team set their all-time attendance record with 876 fans, shattering the previous record of 700 fans (2004).
PLNU (2-3-1, 1-1-0 PacWest) snapped an eight-match losing streak against the Cougars that dated back to 2004. In addition, this was also the first time Point Loma has ever swept a men’s and women’s doubleheader from Azusa Pacific. The result keeps APU winless on the season at 0-4-2 (0-1-1 PacWest).
“I’m not as focused on beating Azusa as I am of making something of this season. We still have big hopes for this season and I think we have the team to do it, but it is not an easy sport to win. I am not as worried about beating APU as I am about getting the full points tonight.”
Montal scored the first goal of the match in the 28th minute of a great assist from Nico Tagaloa. He was able to find Montal with a little space in the middle and Montal beat the goalie with a low shot into the far side of the net for the score.
With the lead PLNU stayed on the offensive attack and outshot APU 12-3 in the first half (17-10 overall). Montal would add a goal for Point Loma in the 50th minute on an assist from Daniel ten Bosch.
Michael Lambert had three saves while recording his second shutout of the season.
“(Azusa Pacific) had a couple moments but they didn’t worry us much,” said Wolf. “The one play by Brady (Johansen) to clear the ball off the line was a game changer. We did a good job keeping their real quality off the board; and they do have some real quality in their front group. I was very happy for the performance of the defense.
“I was just happy to get the result,” Wolf continued. “We have had a sort of tough year so far in getting results. We have played well we just haven’t gotten the results so it is fun when you play well and get the result.”
PLNU’s next match will be Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. when they take on California Baptist (3-4-1, 2-1-0).
