By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

SPOKANE – Eighth-ranked Whitworth found the net less than three minutes into the match, and that proved to be the lone goal of the day as the Pirates defeated the Pacific Lutheran men's soccer team 1-0 Sunday afternoon.

Just after the game got underway, Whitworth's Sam took a pass from Aaron Yanagi from outside the box to the right side and sent it in for the 1-0 lead. The Lutes had many chances to respond, including a shot just a few minutes later from Suwilanji Silozi that was saved by Whitworth goalkeeper Timmy Costa, but the Lutes were never able to break through and tie the match. PLU goalkeeper Mike Arguello finished with two saves.

Whitworth outshot the Lutes 14-11 for the game, allowing them to hold off the Lutes long enough to seal the victory and remain undefeated. However, PLU finished with a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal in a close matchup of two Northwest Conference contenders.

"The game was very evenly played, and our guys were gritty and determined," PLU head coach John Yorke said. "Unfortunately, we made an early mistake that Whitworth capitalized on, but I am really happy with our guys and their efforts this weekend."

With the loss, the Lutes fell to 6-3 on the season and 3-1 in conference play. They return home to take on Trinity Lutheran Tuesday at 7 p.m.