PARKLAND-  The Pacific Lutheran men's soccer team opened the 2010 Northwest Conference schedule with a 3-0 win at home against the Willamette University Bearcats on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Lucas McCallum, Chad Kearns, and Daniele Zaccagnini and a shutout from Brian Kostol in goal led the Lutes to victory. 

After a scoreless first half, the Lutes scored twice within the first 10 minutes of the second half on a blustery day on the PLU campus.  Lucas McCallum scored his first-ever PLU goal when he tapped in a perfect lay-off from Surafel Wodajo.  It was Wodajo's fourth assist of the season. Daniele Zaccagnini then scored after carefully placing a free-kick in the lower left corner just 10 minutes after the break.  The goal was Zaccagnini's second goal of the season. 

Chad Kearns added to his scoring tally for the season when he scored his seventh goal of the year for the Lutes.  Kearns, who led the conference with 11 goals last year, is again leading the conference this season. 

PLU finished the match with 22 total shots, 12 on goal, forcing nine saves from Eben Hellekson.

Kostol earned the shutout between the posts, without being challenged throughout the match. The Lutes limited the Bearcats to just eight shots, three on goal, but Kostol was up to the challenge in notching his first shutout of the season.

The Lutes play again on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. against the Linfield College Wildcats.

- PLU -