It was 90 minutes of tense, playoff-like soccer.

Pierce and Lower Columbia each needed a victory to keep any hopes of a post season berth alive and both played like it on Wednesday October 25th.  The teams battled back and forth with no goals being scored.

And when it seemed like a scoreless tie that would knock the Devils out, a near miraculous stoppage time goal gave LCC a 1-0 victory.

Ashlynn Willis and Kaylee Murray got into a tangle in front of the net and Willis was able to take a carom and get into the net for the game winner in front of a stunned and happy Red Devil crowd.  Murray was credited with the assist.

Pierce did not give up and they had a couple of opportunities at the other end before the whistle finally sounded and the Devils came away with a stunning victory.

LCC was the aggressor in the second half as the Devils had numerous chances to score goals.

LCC had 12 shots on goal to Pierce's 7. The Raiders had seven corner kicks, the Devils five.

Kennedy Werner had seven saves for LCC.

The victory gives LCC an overall record of 8-7-3 and 6-5-2 in West Region play.  LCC leaps over Pierce into 4th place with 20 points.

Bellevue will come to Northlake Field for the regular season finale on Saturday October 28th.  Game time is at 12 noon and six sophomores will be honored on Sophomore Day.

If LCC wins the match, then they would be tied with Bellevue for third place.  A playoff game between the two teams would be played, at a time and place to be decided, most likely on Monday.

The game Saturday will also be the final regular season game for head coach Harlan Cruser, who told the team recently that he will retire at the end of the season, handing the reigns the assistant Bryan Vogel next season.

The entire LCC program is hoping Coach Cruser will have to put off that retirement for a game or two. Or three.