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

TACOMA, WASH. -- Pacific Lutheran University won its third game in a row, as the Lutes defeated visiting Willamette University, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 25. The Lutes improved to 11-5 on the season and to 8-3 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 4-12 overall, 4-8 in the NWC.

The Lutes' three straight wins have all been in NWC action. Pacific Lutheran defeated Whitman College, 3-2, on Oct. 18 and outscored Linfield College, 5-2, on Oct. 24. PLU is 4-1 in its last five games, losing only to NWC co-leader Whitworth University, 4-2, on Oct. 17.

In Sunday's game, the Lutes took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Spencer Augustin as the match reached the 7:15 mark. Brennen Hall provided an assist on the play.

PLU's lead increased to 2-0 when Willamette gave up an own goal at 38:28. A free kick taken by PLU glanced off a defender and went into the net. Neither team scored the rest of the game.

The Lutes held an 11-3 edge in shots and a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks during the first half. In the second half, Willamette elevated its play, as PLU gained a slim 7-5 advantage in total shots and each team placed one shot on target.

Only one corner kick was earned in the second half. It was taken by Pacific Lutheran and did not result in a shot.

Brian Kostol of PLU was the winning goalkeeper. He achieved two saves while registering the shutout. WU starting goalie Alfredo Zuniga (So., Salem, OR/South Salem HS) received the loss and recorded three saves in the first half. Eben Hellekson (Jr., GK, Honolulu, HI/University Laboratory School) was credited with one save for Willamette in the second half.

Brian Bjorgo took five shots, including two shots on goal, for Pacific Lutheran. Casey Dineen (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) contributed two shots for the Bearcats. One of his shots was saved by Kostol in the 81st minute.

Willamette's Ross Vartain (Jr., F, Palo Alto, CA/Mid-Peninsula HS) received a red card at the end of the game. He will miss the Bearcats' next game on Saturday, Oct. 31.

WU will host Whitworth University on Saturday, with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT). It will be Senior Day for the Bearcats. The team will honor its five seniors while many of the parents are in Salem for the weekend match-up.

The Bearcats will conclude the season with two additional home games. WU will take on Whitman College on Sunday, Nov. 1 and will battle nearby rival Linfield College on Saturday, Nov. 7. Both games will begin at 1:30 p.m. (PST).