FOREST GROVE, Or. – The UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs secured a 1-0 victory over Pacific University on the road in a hard-fought battle on Friday evening. The lone goal came in the 77th minute as Michael Braun volleyed in  a cross from Nico Herrera-Land, sealing the win for UCSC. With the victory, the Banana Slugs improve their season record to 3-0-2.

How It Happened
The match began with both teams battling for control with UC Santa Cruz making early attempts to break through Pacific's defense. Soren Groessl led the charge for the Slugs with two shots on goal, but Pacific's defense held firm. On the defensive end, UCSC goalkeeper Chris Jamrock kept his team in the game with three key saves in the first half, leaving the match scoreless at halftime.

The second half saw UCSC continue to press for a goal with their persistence paying off in the 77th minute. Nico Herrera-Land delivered a perfectly placed cross into the box and Michael Braun connected with a volley that found the back of the net, giving the Slugs a 1-0 lead. Despite Pacific's efforts to equalize which included a couple of shots late in the match, UCSC's defense held strong with Jamrock adding another save to secure the shutout.

By the Numbers
• Shots: UCSC – 5 (3 on target), Pacific – 9 (4 on target)
• Corners: UCSC – 2, Pacific – 5
• Saves: UCSC (Chris Jamrock) – 4

What's Next
The Banana Slugs will travel to Salem, Oregon for their next matchup against Willamette University on September 13th at 8:00 p.m. as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.