By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer

PARKLAND – The Pacific Lutheran men's soccer team started off a three-match home stand Tuesday evening with a milestone 2-0 win over non-conference opponent Trinity Lutheran.

The win brought more sentiment than usual for a midweek non-conference match, as not only did it improve the team's overall record to 7-3, but it also gave head coach John Yorke 150 wins for his career to surpass longtime coach Jimmy Dunn for the most by a men's soccer coach in PLU history.

"It's a cool milestone to reach," Yorke said. "All of those players that got those wins were really special guys."

To help the team prepare more for conference play this weekend, Yorke rested some of his starters. The impromptu starting lineup provided an early boost for the Lutes, as senior Jordan Downing scored off a Bennett Bugbee assist in the third minute to put the Lutes up 1-0.

"Our reserves were anxious, but I'm happy with how they played," Yorke said. "They kept it going in our direction.

The Lutes didn't slow down there, though. The team outshot Trinity Lutheran 27-4 for the game, refusing to let its opponent establish any rhythm.

Still, the Lutes repeatedly tried adding to their lead with corner kicks and near misses. Finally, in the 75th minute, Joe Sammartino found the back of the net off a pass from Holton Halfaker to boost the lead to 2-0. Halfaker nearly added to their lead two minutes later, but Sammartino's goal proved to be more than enough.

"I was just happy that Holton made it work," Sammartino said. "He played a heck of a ball, and I was just in the right place at the right time."

Sammartino and the rest of the Lute defense kept up the pressure from start to finish, and the victory provided some momentum heading into the weekend.

"There are no starters or reserves on this team," Sammartino said. "We are all just one team."

The Lutes will be back to Northwest Conference action at home for the weekend, as they'll take on Linfield Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and follow it up with a match against Willamette Sunday afternoon.