Written by Student Assistant Jake Bilyeu

MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team successfully opened Northwest Conference play with a 2-0 win at Linfield College Saturday afternoon.

Joe Sammartino continued his hot streak from last weekend, heading in a goal in the 12th minute off of a pass from Eddie Na. The Lutes (3-2-1, 1-0 NWC) amped up the pressure, and Na had a few opportunities to add to the Lute lead in the first half, but the Wildcats (2-3, 0-1 NWC) held them off to enter the half trailing by just a goal.

Na was sure to make the most of his opportunity in the second half, though. After having two shots denied in the span of a minute, Na had the last laugh, taking a pass from Bennett Bugbee and getting past his defender for the score in the 76th minute. From there, the Lute defense took control, and Linfield could not fight their way back into the game, as the Lutes secured the 2-0 win.

"We had a great start to the game, and I was very happy with our teams approach," head coach John Yorke said. "We got a little bit impatient in the middle part of the game, but were able to turn it around and finish strong."

RJ Noll tallied the clean sheet in goal, making five saves on the afternoon while Linfield's Nick Van Kleek made four saves and allowed two goals.

After a rough start in their opening non-conference games in Atlanta, the Lutes have steadily been showing how successful they can be this year. Today, the team showed off yet another display of their strength.

"We are growing with each game and I continue to be impressed with the leadership and brotherhood that continues to develop in this group," Yorke said.

Na and Sammartino have emerged as the team's leaders on the offensive end, leading the way with five and three goals respectively. Both hope to add to their totals tomorrow as the Lutes look to continue their momentum, having been unbeaten (3-0-1) over the last four games.

"Tomorrow will be another tough test and we will have to maintain a great mindset and be more disciplined for the full 90," Yorke said.

PLU is back on the pitch tomorrow at against Willamette University to cap off the NWC opening road trip