Fort Lewis College’s men’s soccer season ended Friday with a 3-2 overtime loss to Western Oregon in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament in Los Angeles.
The No. 9-seeded Skyhawks held a 2-1 lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, but Western Oregon tied the match after a defensive mistake in rainy conditions. The Wolves then scored the deciding goal on a penalty kick in overtime to advance.
Late mistakes decide the match
Fort Lewis goalkeeper Lucas Martin came off his line to clear a forward ball, but missed it. Western Oregon forward Archie Dhima collected the loose opportunity and scored into an open net, according to the Durango Herald’s account of the match. Dhima scored both of Western Oregon’s goals after regulation.
In overtime, Fort Lewis was playing with a numerical advantage and controlled possession before Western Oregon created a counterattack. Fort Lewis defender Zachary Lanman was called for a foul inside the 18-yard box after attempting a tackle from behind. Dhima converted the resulting penalty kick to give the Wolves the win.
It’s fitting and devastating that Fort Lewis College men’s soccer season ended because of two defensive miscues.
Francisco Pinto scored both Fort Lewis goals, and Raul Baptista Filipe recorded the assist. Martin made five saves for the Skyhawks.
Skyhawks close season with 11 wins
Fort Lewis finished the season with an 11-7-3 record. The Skyhawks reached at least 11 victories for the third time in four seasons. The tournament defeat also marked the first time since 2007 that Fort Lewis exited the NCAA tournament without a victory.
The Skyhawks had been one of Division II’s higher-scoring teams, but they allowed multiple goals in seven games this season. Fort Lewis also played Friday without freshman defender Noam Maggartou, identified as the team’s top defender.
- Final: Western Oregon 3, Fort Lewis 2, overtime
- Fort Lewis record: 11-7-3
- Western Oregon record: 12-4-5
Western Oregon will face No. 1 Cal State LA in the second round Sunday. The Wolves improved to 12-4-5 with Friday’s victory.
