By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's soccer team was defeated by Pacific Lutheran University at home on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Bearcats tied the score at 1-1 in the first half before eventually falling to the Lutes, 3-1.

Daniele Zaccagnini of PLU opened the scoring at 12:31 on a shot from 16 yards. A through pass left Zaccagnini with only on-rushing WU goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Sr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) to beat. Zaccagnini place the ball into the lower right corner of the net.

Willamette's Etienne Galbreath (Fr., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS) scored at 32:44 to tie the score. He recorded the tally on a header from six yards out and several yards to the left of the goal. The header went toward the far post and scored just under the crossbar. Luke Lagattuta (Sr., MF, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS), who began the play with a free kick from about 45 yards out, received an assist on the play.

The tie score lasted less than a minute, as Surafel Wodajo scored for the Lutes at 33:13 to give PLU a 2-1 lead. He scored on a 17-yard shot that was assisted by Scott Parsons.

Zaccagnini earned his second goal of the game to complete the scoring for Pacific Lutheran on shot from 14 yards at 68:00. Alex Schisel was credited with an assist.

PLU achieved a 15-9 edge in total shots, including a 10-4 advantage in shots on goal. Lute goalkeeper Brian Kostol registered three saves. Bennett finished with six save for the Bearcats. Both teams earned five corner kicks.

Willamette will play at home again on Sunday, Sept. 20, when they host the University of Puget Sound. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).