PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula College men played another NWAC powerhouse Saturday, getting a late goal from Jonathan DeMotta to pull out a 2-1 win over Highline at Wally Sigmar Field.
The win keeps the men undefeated at 5-0. Last week, the Pirates beat Tacoma, whom they beat in the NWAC championship in 2019. Highline won the NWAC title in 2014 and 2017.
The Pirates got on the board in the 22nd minute when Tim Deser drew a penalty in the box. Fernando Tavares converted the penalty kick to make it 1-0.
Highline got the equalizer just before the half. The score remained 1-1 until the 72nd minute, when playmaker Hayahide Sakamoto hit Jonathan DeMotta in the box with a crossing pass. DeMotta caught the pass with his chest, collected the ball at his feet and booted a shot past the Highline keeper to get the lead.
Peninsula ended up outshooting Highline 17-9, but Highline had more shots on goal — eight — with Pirates’ keeper Ian Dalton making seven saves to earn the win.
The Peninsula women were scheduled to also play, but they earned a win on a forfeit.
The men and women both have a challenge on the road against good teams Saturday.
The men (5-0-0, 8-0-0) next play at Skagit Valley (3-0-2, 3-1-2). The women (5-0-0, 6-0-1) also play at Skagit (3-1-1, 4-2-1) on Saturday.
