PORTLAND, Ore. - In dramatic fashion, Multnomah clinched what was a historic win today over their bitter cross-town rivals, Warner Pacific University. Today's contest ended 3-2 in favor of the Lions (5-5-1, 3-3-1 CCC), in which they emerged victorious over the Knights (8-4, 4-3 CCC) for the first time in ten years, thanks to a goal from forward Axcele Biteghe in the dying moments of the game. Biteghe's game winning goal was his fourth of the season, and third in his last four games.

"Today is a day that we won't soon forget - this is a huge boost for us in our hopes of making it to the [conference] tournament in November," shared Head Coach Dalon Parker when asked for his thought's on today's win. "We stayed true to our system today. Not at any point did we get down on ourselves or let the game get away from us, and I'm beyond proud of how disciplined we were today."

Warner made things uncomfortable for Multnomah early in the game, forcing the Lions back into defensive mode for much of the first half. The first goal of the game would eventually come, as the Knights managed to find their way onto the scoreboard first thanks to a goal from Jose Robles in the 39th minute. However, Multnomah came back with an immediate response just a minute later, as Paul Einero and Aghiles Lamara were able to take advantage of an opportunity on the counter attack, with Einero scoring his eighth goal of the season. 

With the score level at 1-1 heading into the second half, both teams looked poised to take all three points. The Knights managed to retain the advantage, scoring their second goal of the game through Pedro Calderon after a penalty kick was awarded for a handball in the box against Multnomah's Hector Rocha. Yet again, Multnomah was able to answer back with a goal of their own, as Rocha would go on to fire a freekick into the top right corner of the net in the 66th minute. Rocha's goal was his first of the season and of his Multnomah career, leveling the game back up at 2-2.

Each team had chances to score the final and decisive goal, with each goalkeeper coming up with some massive saves. Senior goalkeeper Pablo Mendoza was immense for the Lions today, recording 14 saves while facing 16 shots. Warner led the Lions 20-12 in total shots, while also holding an 11-4 advantage in corners.

Multnomah's third and decisive goal, which came in the 89th minute thanks to an assist from Tomas Espinoza, would be enough to see of Warner Pacific. With today's win, Multnomah sits level on points with Oregon Tech in eighth place in the Cascade Conference standings.

Up next for the Lions are two massive home fixtures, as they host Corban University and Bushnell University next Friday and Saturday.