SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (5-8-3, 2-5-2) secured a decisive 5-1 victory over LMU (5-6-7, 1-3-5) at Luger Field on Saturday evening. Notably, this was the first time Gonzaga men's soccer has scored five goals against a WCC opponent since Nov. 1, 2009, when they faced Saint Mary's. The Bulldogs' goalkeeper made six saves, holding LMU to a single goal despite 12 shots.
The first half began with Gonzaga taking the initiative early on.
Michael Luande opened the scoring in the 14th minute, assisted by
Geremi Onentia, setting a strong tone for the home side. Shortly after,
Robbie Mora capitalized on a penalty kick, doubling the Bulldogs' lead to 2-0 just 30 seconds later.
Defensively,
Chema Preciado made critical saves, including a stop against Daniel Idiakhoa in the 21st minute and another against Anthony Boyadjian in the 36th, preserving the scoreline. As the half closed, the Zags maintained their 2-0 advantage, heading into halftime with momentum firmly on their side.
The second half began with a pivotal moment as LMU's Anthony Boyadjian converted a penalty kick, narrowing the gap. However, Preciado quickly responded with a crucial save on another LMU penalty attempt by Idiakhoa, maintaining the lead.
GU regained momentum when
Drew Pedersen scored in the 64th minute, assisted by
Morgan Olson, extending the advantage to 3-1. Olson later found the net himself in the 83rd minute. Gonzaga solidified the lead in the closing minutes when Pedersen, assisted by
Terry Watson, scored again to secure a 5-1 victory.
Pedersen led the offensive charge with two goals from two shots, each finding the target. Olson contributed a goal and an assist, providing a well-rounded performance. Mora secured the game-winning goal, converting one of his three shot attempts, with two on target. In goal, Preciado made six saves, splitting them evenly across both halves, to secure the victory.
The Bulldogs finish the season at 5-8-3 overall and 2-5-2 in conference play with the victory. LMU (CA) fell to 5-6-7 overall and 1-3-5 in conference competition.
