From Emory University Athletics
The Emory University men's soccer team began its trip to the Pacific Northwest on a winning note on Friday, defeating Pacific Lutheran 2-1 at Sparks Field on the campus of Williamette University in Salem, Oregon.
The Eagles scored twice in the second half to erase a 1-0 halftime deficit to pick up their first win of the 2023 season. Through three games, Emory stands at 1-0-2 while the Lutes were handed their first loss to drop to 1-1-1.
PLU got on the scoreboard first late in the opening half as Trevor Thompson scored near the far post in the 37th minute. The Eagles were quiet on the offensive end during the first 45 minutes but saw their best opportunity come in the closing seconds before halftime as freshman Turner MacInnis put a set piece on goal but the Lutes keeper was in position.
After not appearing in the Sonny Carter Invitational, sophomore Josh Grand made his presence felt on Friday, scoring the team's first goal of the campaign with a beautiful strike to the top right corner from 25 yards out in the 61st minute.
Twelve minutes later, classmate Mason Bradford nearly put Emory ahead with a breakaway opportunity but saw his shot past the PLU keeper draw the right post to keep the score even at 1-1.
However, Bradford got redemption just two minutes later with a perfect through ball past two defenders to find junior Ryan Hayes who slotted it into the back of the net for the game-winner in the 75th minute.
For the game, both teams notched seven shots on frame while PLU outgained the Eagles 17-14 in total shots. Senior Peter Wagner, the reigning UAA Athlete of the Week, earned his first win of the year, stopping five shots for the second straight outing.