The Lane Titans Men's Soccer team survived visiting Southwest Oregon Community College in a 2-1 win on Sophomore night. The visiting Lakers were able to score on an early miscommunication by the Titan back line to gain the lead in the 19 minutes via a chip shot from the left side.
Freshmen striker Yuki Yamaguchi tied the game in the 75th minute after the host Titans peppered SWOCC with chances and bouts of possession.
Sophomore captain Nando Bitelli scored from a Michael Holden assist in the 81st minute to give his Titans the full three points on the day, which notably keeps the Titans playoffs hopes alive. Lane's last south region game vs. Portland Community College looms.
"I have to give credit to our opponent today for playing with strong effort and focus. They really took it to us in the first half and played as a team. We had good moments of buildup, like we have for much of the year, but lack the killer instincts to finish in the area. We just haven't taken advantage of enough of those moments. I know we have the guys to do it, and to play properly. For whatever reason I guess we need to be losing before we wake up in games."
The Titans look to secure the second playoff berth in the program's short history on Wednesday at PCC with a Titan win and a Clark loss or tie. Kick off is 10/27/21 at 12PM.