PARKLAND, Wash. – Pacific Lutheran raced past visiting Whitworth 4-1 in the Northwest Conference men's soccer opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon.
The Lutes (2-1-2) controlled play at both ends, outshooting the Pirates (2-3) 21-10, including a 12-3 edge in shots on goal.
PLU scored twice in each half and four different players hit the back of the net. Craig Johnson got the Lutes on the board in the 12th minute when he converted a penalty kick. Robby Guyer made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute from an assist by Dane Helle.
Trevor Thompson increased the lead to 3-0 in the 58th minute from an assist by Joe Camp.
Sterling Eaglin scored his first goal of the season to pull Whitworth to within 3-1 in the 77th minute. But Owen Bliskis answered for PLU five minutes later to put the game out of reach.
Anton Dersham played in goal for Whitworth and made seven saves against the persistent PLU attack. Nicholas Gaston made two saves for the Lutes.
The Pirates will look to bounce back on Sunday when they take on the Puget Sound Loggers in Tacoma.
