In a war of attrition, the Point Loma Nazarene men’s soccer season came to an end on Nov. 18, with a 1-0 loss to Cal State LA, at University Stadium in Los Angeles, in the second round of the Div. II, NCAA Tournament.

Topping out as the No. 10 ranked team in the nation, this was the most successful season in program history.

“We won our first conference title ever,” forward Juan Salazar, a graduate transfer student, said, reflecting on the season, days after the playoff loss. “It was an incredible unforgettable season. I was really happy to be part of this team. These moments and experiences will be in our minds and hearts forever.”

Finishing the season at 13-5-1, PLNU won their opening round tournament game 3-1 against Simon Fraser – the first postseason win for Point Loma, just 48 hours before meeting the No. 2 ranked, 2021 National Champion, CSULA.

“Cal State LA had the whole week to rest,” Salazar, who led the Sea Lions in goals, assists, shots on goal, and total points, said. “Recovery was key for us, so that was the first thing.”

PLNU moved the ball hoping to find crosses, creating opportunities for shots on goal, but CSULA played physically, stifling the Sea Lion attack.

“They defend so deep with lines so tight that it is nearly impossible to break through,” PLNU head coach Phil Wolf was quoted as saying in a press release.

“They are so good defensively it was hard to find clear shots,” added Salazar.

The Sea Lions managed to get off 11 shots, but only one was on goal. Adding to the difficulty was CSULA’s six-foot-six, 200-plus pound, Norwegian, wall of a goalkeeper, Julian Aadlandsvik.

“They have a really good goalkeeper and he is huge,” Salazar said.

Salazar, who learned the game on an uneven patch of dirt in his native Medellin, Colombia, and who has professional soccer aspirations, launched three shots, but none came particularly close.

“The shots I had, it was just me trying to create something,” he said. “I saw the opportunity to shoot but they weren’t on target.

Junior forward Felix Calero led the team with five shots, and Milo Libby and Austin Lavell added one apiece.

In the 56th minute, CSULA broke the tie with a goal into the top left corner of the net, just passed the outstretched hand of senior goalkeeper, Finn Simmbersbach.

PLNU controlled the time of possession and outshot CSULA 11-7, but couldn’t get on the board.

In the closing moments, freshman forward Zachary Mercieca found Calero on a cross, for what was nearly a game-tying header.

“We were just fighting for a last chance,” Salazar said. “Felix did really well getting up, but the header just went over the post. It was so close.”

According to Salazar, tears were shed by many in the locker room when the realization of what was accomplished and what was ending set in. But the postgame feeling was one of gratitude.

“We were crying – especially the seniors, knowing we aren’t going to come back,” Salazar said. “It was in the sense of being proud of ourselves and happy because we made history. These relationships will be with us for the rest of our lives.”

“I am especially proud of my players in their last year of eligibility,” Wolf added. “London Lombana, Kupa’a Fernandez, Finn Simmersbach, and Juan Salazar have left an indelible mark on our program and they will be missed. It was a pleasure to coach them.”