SPOKANE, Wash. – Craig Johnson scored a goal and assisted on two as Pacific Lutheran pulled away with goals in the 65^th and 73^rd minute to beat Whitworth 4-2 on Saturday and retain its lead atop the conference.

The Lutes (8-1-4 overall, 7-0-2 NWC) spoiled Whitworth's opportunity to take first place in the standings, keeping their poise even after two equalizing goals from Cole Friesen. Friesen, who leads the conference with 18 goals, has now scored two or more goals in six straight games. His production, however, did not shake the Lutes.

Alvin Kamau drew first blood in the 19^th minute with a header off a crossbar deflection on the Lutes fourth corner of the first half. Whitworth (8-4-1 overall, 6-2-1 NWC) tied it up eight minutes later as Clayton Crockett found Friesen on a long chip pass, Friesen took care of the rest, slotting it by the keeper for his 17^th goal of the season.

The Lutes took control with a goal in the final minute of the half when Johnson's free kick found the foot of Owen Bliskis who cashed in and put PLU ahead 2-1 at the break.

Friesen was tripped from behind while attacking inside the box to set up a 60^th minute penalty kick. The sophomore cashed in easily with a casual chip into the left side of the net to tie things up once again.

The visiting Lutes did not leave things tied for long. A nifty move by Johnson set up his 14^th goal of the year and put PLU ahead 3-2 in the 65^th minute. Just seven minutes after that, Johnson played a through ball to set up Trevor Thompson for the dagger that gave the Lutes a 4-2 cushion.

Penalties

The stakes were felt in this match between the NWC's top two teams, and tensions ran high. The two teams combined for 21 fouls including four yellow cards, two of which were called during a scuffle that broke out in the 81^st minute following a tackle on Friesen.

Penalties accounted for multiple scoring chances throughout the match, including Friesen's penalty kick in the 60^th minute and Johnson's free kick that led to a goal in the 43^rd minute.

What's next

The Lutes will be on the road against Whitman on Sunday while the Pirates will be at home against Puget Sound. PLU currently leads the conference with 23 points, while Whitworth holds second place with 19.