Cougars Buck Mustangs From Race

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- Junior forward Jordan Jones' goal in the 61^st minute and a pair of game-saving stops by keeper Scott Strahammer lifted the NAIA's No. 13-ranked Azusa Pacific to a 1-0 GSAC victory over No. 16 The Master's Thursday afternoon on the Mustangsâ home field.

With the victory, Azusa Pacific eliminates The Master's from contention for the GSAC title and narrows the conference title race to a 2-team sprint between the Cougars and Westmont. Both teams are tied for first in the GSAC with identical 8-1 records.  A victory over Christian Heritage on Saturday, allows the Cougars to at least share their second straight GSAC crown and their fourth in the past 6 years.

Jones rifled a 25-yard rocket with less than 30 minutes remaining in the game to tally his ninth goal of the season. It came off an assist from All-American Matt Evans.

"Our offense was struggling all game," said Jones.  "I was just trying to create an opportunity and see what could happen."

Strahammer, who made a nice save in the first half to keep the game scoreless, then made a terrific save with 10 minutes remaining, stretching out and deflecting a shot at the left post that would have tied the contest.

"This is a fantastic result on the road," said first-year Cougar coach Phil Wolf. "We didn't play well overall, but we were pretty good in the backfield.  Dan Wilson and Jacob Ward did a great job on defense."

The win is Azusa Pacific's second straight over the Mustangs, who just 10 days ago were the No. 1-ranked team in the NAIA. However, losses to Fresno Pacific and Azusa Pacific have not only knocked The Master's from the NAIA's top perch but also from the GSAC loft.

Azusa Pacific improves to 12-1-2 overall, 8-1 in the GSAC. The Master's falls to 16-2 overall, 7-2 in the GSAC.

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Players Mentioned

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

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

#6 Jacob Ward: D; 6' 1"; Junior

#11 Matt Evans: MF; 6' 0"; Senior

#20 Jordan Jones: F; 6' 2"; Junior

Players Mentioned

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

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

#6 Jacob Ward
: 6' 1"; Junior
: D

#11 Matt Evans
: 6' 0"; Senior
: MF

#20 Jordan Jones
: 6' 2"; Junior
: F