SAN FRANCISCO - With their hopes for the programs' first-ever PacWest Championship on the line, the Point Loma men's soccer team took care of business with a 2-0 win at Academy of Art on Saturday, Nov. 4.
 
The Sea Lions benefitted from an own goal by the Urban Knights in the seventh minute to go up early. Mitch Wheelon added an insurance goal in the 66th minute and the Sea Lions shutout their opponent for the ninth time this season to extend their school-record unbeaten streak to 16.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (14-2-2, 11-0-2 PacWest), Academy of Art (4-12-1, 3-9-0 PacWest)
 
PacWest Implications
PLNU did not get the help it needed to earn its first conference title. California Baptist won in double overtime at Notre Dame de Namur, 2-1, to win the championship outright. CBU (16-0-2, 12-0-1 PacWest) edged Point Loma in the final standings 37-35 and also earned the league's automatic qualifier to the NCAA West Regional.  
 
The Turning Point
Academy of Art allowing the own goal early in the match helped alleviate some of the early nerves for the Sea Lions. PLNU had only allowed one opponent all year to tie up the match after Point Loma took the lead. Putting the early goal on the board allowed the Sea Lions to be able to focus on defense and not have to worry about pushing forward late to get a goal and earn full points.
 
Wolf's Words
On rising up to the pressure today: "I thought it was a bit of a nervy performance but overall the guys did a really good job of getting a result today. Whether we played well or not it didn't matter, it was about getting the result."
 
On the unbeaten streak: "It is unreal to be able to do that. It is an incredible feat after starting off the year with two losses. I am really proud of the guys and they have done an amazing job."
 
On hope for postseason bid: "I told the guys we just have to keep going. Just getting into the regional in the West is so hard, so just getting in is a big accomplishment. But we don't want to take our foot off the gas and want to see how we can do if we get in the regional."
 
Scoring Summary
6:47 - PLNU GOAL: ARTU own goal (unassisted) [PLNU 1, ARTU 0]
65:16 - PLNU GOAL: Mitch Wheelon (unassisted) [PLNU 2, ARTU 0]
 
News and Notes
> The 14 wins match the school record (1998)
> PLNU has improved in the PacWest standings every season coach Wolf has been at the helm
> Fresno Pacific also posted an own goal as the difference in the match earlier this season
> Point Loma paced the PacWest with nine shutouts this season
> Wiktor Lasota had three saves in goal and finishes the season second in the PacWest in save percentage (.818)
> All three of Wheelon's goals this season came in the final five matches of the year and all three were in the second half of matches
> The second place finish is the best out of all PLNU teams this fall
 
Up Next
The Point Loma men's soccer team will await their fate for the NCAA West Regional. The Sea Lions are hoping to get one of the three at-large berths handed out in the West Region. The NCAA Selection Show will be Monday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. It will be shown in the ARC on the Point Loma campus and will be available on NCAA.com.