KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech rallied from a one-goal deficit just 20 seconds into the match, scoring two goals within 72 seconds late in the first half to earn a 2-1 victory over Evergreen State at the OIT Soccer Field.
 
The Hustlin' Owls (10-4-3, 8-3-2 CCC) clinched their third-straight 10-win season heading into next Monday's Cascade Conference Tournament opener against Carroll College.
 
A defensive miscue off the opening kick gave the visiting Geoducks (6-7-4, 5-4-4) the 1-0 lead. Jesus Flores lined a shot off the right post, but Andreas Malunat jumped on the rebound, finishing it into the right corner of the net.
 
Evergreen nearly made it 2-0 in the 14th minute, as off a free kick, Kolby Juarez got free, with his 10-yard shot kick-saved by OIT keeper Connor Caslin.
 
Tech finally broke through in the 41st minute, as Kevin Rodriguez played a half volley into the middle of the box – with Dalton Rideout heading home his sixth goal of the season to square the score.
 
A minute later, Rideout had a point-blank chance turned away by the Geoducks keeper Brenden Gribek, but off the rebound, Andrew Pasang was tackled in the box – earning a penalty kick. Pasang converted from the spot to give the Owls the lead.
 
The Owls controlled the run of play in the second half, holding a 9-3 edge in shots – but were unable to find the net. TESC had a chance to tie the score inside the final three minutes, but an Emmanuel Nicasio 25-yard liner missed over the crossbar.
 
OIT finished with a 20-7 edge in total shots and a 3-1 lead in corner kicks.
 
Information regarding the CCC Championships will be released by the league office later this week.