Box Score by Samantha Lund, Sports Information Student Assistant
WALLA WALLA - The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team could not manage to snag a win in Eastern Washington, losing to Whitman 2-1. The Lutes end their weekend away with a 3-3 conference record and a 6-6 overall record.
Whitman started strong, getting the only goal in the first half. Park Harmon scored a goal for the Missionaries with an assist from Riley Paul. Harmon's goal was made in the 23rd minute of play giving the Missionaries a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Jordan Downing brought the Lutes back up to 1-1 as he continues to be the leading scorer for PLU. Downing made a goal for the Lutes in the 56th minute of play, unassisted. Downing leads the team in goals, having made seven throughout the season.
The tie at 1-1 did not last long. Three minutes later, Whitman's Jose Beleche made the third goal of the game with an assist from Hunter Stopenhagen. Beleche brought the Missionaries the winning goal, allowing them to beat the Lutes 2-1.
The Missionaries outshot the Lutes 21-16 with five shots on goal compared to PLU's seven. PLU's keeper Mike Arguello played all 90 minutes and made three saves. Whitman's Niko Contos made six saves while playing all 90 minutes. Contos leads the North West Conference rankings with a .840 save percentage.
The Lutes return home next weekend to play University of Puget Sound.
