By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

PARKLAND – Pacific Lutheran's seven-match win streak and hopes for a Northwest Conference title came to an end Saturday night, as the Lutes finished the 2015 regular season with a 2-1 loss to cross-town rival Puget Sound.

The loss drops PLU's season record to 15-5 overall and 11-3 in conference play, as the Lutes close out the regular season ranked second in the Northwest Conference. Puget Sound improved to 10-7-2 overall and 8-4-2 in conference play as the Loggers finish the year third.

"UPS took us out of our game, and we played a little panicky," PLU head coach John Yorke said. "We weren't very good tonight."

The Lutes honored the six seniors on the 2015 squad before the game got underway. That added excitement carried over into the start of the match, as the Lutes pressured Puget Sound early and took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute on an Eddie Na penalty kick.

As the Lutes tried to maintain control of the game and had several other close-miss opportunities, UPS fired back in the 27th minute with a goal from Josh Sonico, assisted by Sam Zisette. The score quieted the PLU crowd and the Lutes, who went into the half tied 1-1.

The opposing Loggers didn't wait long into the second half to provide a follow-up goal, as Ezra Kraus fired a shot from 20 yards out that found the back of the net, giving his team a 2-1 lead in the 54th minute of play.

Although the Lutes outshot the Loggers 12-9 for the game, they only fired off two shots in the second half as Puget Sound controlled possession for much of the second period. With Whitworth claiming the NWC crown and the league's automatic postseason berth, the Lutes will await Monday's announcement of the NCAA Tournament field to see if their season will continue. Regardless of what happens, the Lutes capped a record-setting year and a four-year stretch for the senior class that stands as one of the best in program history.

"Looking back, we've had a very successful four years," Yorke said. "One game doesn't define their careers here."