PARKLAND - Pacific Lutheran moved to within two points of the Northwest Conference men's soccer lead by defeating visiting Willamette, 2-0, on a chilly Sunday afternoon.

With the win, the Lutes improve their overall record to 11-5-0 and the conference mark to 8-3-0. PLU has 24 points in conference play, two points behind co-leaders Pacific and Whitworth. The Lutes play their final three conference matches at home, including a contest next Saturday afternoon against Pacific.

The Lutes scored a goal and also benefited from a Willamette own goal on Sunday. Spencer Augustin tallied his third goal of the weekend and his eighth of the season just 7:15 into the match, running onto a long pass from Brennen Hall and striking the ball past Willamette goalkeeper Alfredo Zuniga. PLU's continued first half offensive pressure paid off at 38:28 when a free kick sent in from the left wing glanced off a Bearcat defender and into the goal.

After dominating the first 45 minutes, as evidenced by an 11-3 margin in shots and a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks, the Lutes struggled to continue the pressure against the Bearcats. PLU out-shot the Bearcats, 7-5, in the second half. Willamette's best chance came about 10 minutes from the end when Etienne Galbreath's drive was saved at the near post by PLU keeper Brian Kostol.

Kostol finished the match with two saves to earn his second shutout of the season. Zuniga had three saves in 45 minutes and Eben Hellekson picked up a save while playing the final 45 minutes in goal for the Bearcats.

- PLU -