Cougars Claim Third GSAC Crown in 5 Years

LA MIRADA, CALIF. -- The NAIA's No. 2-ranked Azusa Pacific recorded its fourth consecutive shutout with a 4-0 victory over Biola, securing its third GSAC championship in the past 5 years.

Despite the display of offensive firepower in the Cougars' 4-goal outburst, it was the stifling Azusa Pacific defense that took centerstage. The Cougars outshot Biola 18-3, and were it not for several spectacular saves by Biola goalkeeper Mark Wade, including a marvelous stop of a Matt Evans second-half penalty kick, the final margin could have been larger.

"The guys came out with purpose and focus today," said Cougar Head Coach Don Lawrence. "The defense was stellar. Everybody played both sides of the ball, and it started with the forwards chasing at the top."

Evans got the Cougars going early, scoring on a free kick just outside the box after 5 minutes of play.

"Usually, when we score early, we score a lot of goals in the game," said Evans. "I think it got the team pumped up and reassured us more of our goals as a team."

Dan Wilson pounded a loose ball into the back of the net in the 31^st minute to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead after the first half. Azusa Pacific continued its relentless attack on Wade in the second half, and J.D. Rotteau converted in the 77^th minute on 1 of his 5 shots in the game, breaking away to slide one past Wade, giving the Cougars a 3-0 lead.

"We know if we play good defense, we will also play good offense," said Rotteau. "Our focus today was to play good defense, and that was our objective through the whole season."

In a 3-minute span from the 77^th to the 80^th minute, Lawrence cleared his bench, leaving just 2 starters on the field, defender Oscar Hernandez and goalkeeper Scott Strahammer. Stephen Hawk added the final goal in the 86^th minute off a cross from David Alapag to round out the scoring.

With the win, the Cougars finish the regular season with an 8-0-1 mark in the GSAC, 16-1-1 overall.

They'll return to the field on Saturday, November 4, when they host a team-to-be-determined in the semifinals of the NAIA regional playoffs.

GAME STATS
Score by Halves 1 2 -- Final
Azusa Pacific 2 2 -- 4
Biola 0 0 -- 0

Goals: Matt Evans (APU) 5^th minute
Dan Wilson (APU) 31^st minute
J.D. Rotteau (APU) 77^th minute
Stephan Hawk (APU) 86^th minute

Shots: APU 18, BU 3
Corners: APU 7, BU 2
Fouls: APU 23, BU 17

Saves: Scott Strahammer (APU) 1
Mark Wade (BU) 10

Cards: Hoyt (APU) 45^th minute ö yellow
Ernst (BU) 4^th minute ö yellow
Reynolds (BU) 86^th minute - yellow

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Players Mentioned

#1 Scott Strahammer: GK; 6' 3"; Junior

#4 Dan Wilson: D; 6' 1"; Junior

#5 Oscar Hernandez: D; 5' 11"; Senior

#9 J.D. Rotteau: M/F; 5' 9"; Junior

#11 Matt Evans: M; 6' 0"; Junior

#16 David Alapag: D; 5' 7"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#1 Scott Strahammer
: 6' 3"; Junior
: GK

#4 Dan Wilson
: 6' 1"; Junior
: D

#5 Oscar Hernandez
: 5' 11"; Senior
: D

#9 J.D. Rotteau
: 5' 9"; Junior
: M/F

#11 Matt Evans
: 6' 0"; Junior
: M

#16 David Alapag
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: D