PLNU Men's Soccer is trending in the right direction at just the right time.
 
After starting the season without scoring a goal in three-straight losses, Point Loma finished its non-conference slate on a five-match unbeaten streak, capped off with a 1-0 road win over Azusa Pacific on Saturday night.
 
Over the past five matches, the Sea Lions have maintained four shutouts and a 3-0-2 record, scoring eight goals while only conceding three.
 
"I'm proud of the guys as they put together a strong performance on the road against a good APU team," PLNU Head Coach Phil Wolf said. "But we also understand that the second part of the season begins next week, so we are going to put this game behind us quickly."
 
Corey Lundeen scored his first goal of the season and the only goal of the game in the 14th minute. After APU was called for a handball in the box, Lundeen had his initial spot kick saved but was able to finish the rebound to give PLNU an advantage.
 
Austin Lavell nearly curled one in with his left foot in the 34th minute, missing the far post by mere inches.
 
Then with seven minutes remaining, Townsend Meyer won a ball in the midfield and found London Lombana, who fed Niko Kaczmarczyk behind the defense with a first-time pass. The freshman midfielder then appeared to score his first collegiate goal, but it was ruled out for offside.
 
Point Loma forced nine saves from APU's goalkeeper, including a pair in the final minute of regulation, outshooting the Cougars 16-3 overall and 10-1 in shots on goal. PLNU goalkeeper Seth Ketterer had to only make a single save in keeping his third-straight shutout.
 
"I'm proud of the boys for dealing with a really daunting preseason and coming out in a good spot," Wolf said. "Hopefully this prepares us for the league schedule and all the challenges that are ahead."
 
PLNU, picked to finish second in the PacWest Preseason Poll behind three-time defending champion APU, opens up conference play at home on Oct. 1 against Fresno Pacific. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.