With two quick goals and continuing offensive pressure, the sixth-ranked men’s soccer team defeated , 2-0, Thursday afternoon at Championship Field, clinching the program’s sixth Great Northwest Athletic Conference title in seven years.
jumped on top in the sixth minute after Jason Cascio () was taken down by a Viking defender in the box, drawing a penalty kick opportunity. Eric Forner () succeeded on the penalty kick, his third goal of the season, to give the Redhawks a 1-0 lead.
In the 20th minute, Sean Morris () sprinted down the left side with the ball and sent a cross into the box. Ian Walsh () received the pass at the left post and sent a diagonal shot past Viking goalie Michael Lockwood for his fourth goal of the season. It was Morris’s second assist of his freshman campaign.
continued to pressure the Viking defense, outshooting (11-6-1, 2-3-1 GNAC), 19-7, in the match. Cameron Mertens () provided a spark off the bench for the Redhawks, earning three shots on goal plus a fourth shot that hit the post. Forner also had a solid scoring chance later in the match, while Walsh and Andrew Kreiter () each finished with two shots on goal.
Emerson DeOliveira () made two saves in picking up his eighth victory and sixth shutout of the season. Lockwood kept his team in the match, making seven saves during the afternoon.
The victory extended ’s winning streak to nine matches as the team remains perfect at Championship Field. The Redhawks have won five consecutive league titles and are in position to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the past four seasons. was ranked first in this week’s NCAA Far West Region rankings, giving it the inside track to host at least first- and second-round matches during the weekend of Nov. 8-11.
(14-2-0, 6-1-0 GNAC) plays its final regular season home match Monday, Oct. 29, against Incarnate Word beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Championship Field. Shortly before the match, the senior class that helped win the 2004 national title, the 2006 regional title, and four consecutive conference titles will be honored.