Peninsula Holds Off Columbia Basin 1-0 to Advance to Finals

TUKWILA, Wash. - The Peninsula College Pirates used a first half goal to defeat the defending champion Columbia Basin Hawks 1-0 in the NWAC Men's Soccer Semifinals on Friday at Starfire Stadium.

The Pirates got their lone goal in the 31st minute by North Region MVP Nil Grau, who headered in a free kick by Pip van der Ende. The Pirates defense took care of the rest as they were able to keep the potent Hawks offense off the scoreboard. 

The Hawks, who were one of the top scoring teams in the NWAC this season, did everything they could in the second half to find the equalizing goal, but could not get past goalkeeper Laurin Lettow who had two saves. The back line of Peninsula was also stout with a number of clearances on dangerous attempts. The Hawks led the match 12-5 in shots and 7-0 in corner kicks. Gabriel Delgado and Julian Reyes led CBC with four shots each while Grau had two for Peninsula. 

CBC completes another strong season as they once again were the East Region champions, finishing with a Final Four appearance and a 15-1-1 overall record.

Peninsula will continue their season in the final match of the year, taking on Highline on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. for the NWAC title.

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