WHITTIER, Calif. — Cal Lutheran men's soccer clinched its third straight SCIAC Tournament appearance with a 1-0 win over Whittier on Friday night. 

The program continues to make history under Head Coach Miguel Ruiz. Last season was the first time the Kingsmen went to the SCIAC Tournament in back-to-back years and now it's the first time they've gone three years in a row.

"Today was a great win for us," said Ruiz. "Now we have to get ready to play our last home game before the regular season is over."

The Kingsmen took control of the game in the first half as they outshot the Poets 12-3. Maximo Schelotto converted the goal with the assist coming from JP Melgoza. The duo got the Kingsmen on the board in the 37th minute. 

In the second half, the Poets looked to tie up the game. They outshot the Kingsmen 6-3, but the Cal Lutheran defense prevailed. Davis Sharts was in goal and made seven saves to keep a clean sheet. Jack Gominiak, Aidan Johnston, and Tyler Sherard played all 90 minutes for the defense. 

Schelotto and Melgoza led the offense with three and two shots on goal, respectively. Preston Fleming recorded two shots on goal and Chris Pelaez and Samir Lumba had one. 

The Kinsgmen end the regular season on Saturday and host Redlands at 10:30 a.m.