TACOMA, Wash. - One goal was all that was needed on Sunday for the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team on Sunday, wrapping up the opening weekend of Northwest Conference play with a 1-0 win over Linfield College at East Field.

The Lutes (5-3, 1-1 NWC), looking to defend their NWC championship, opened up this Sunday's game coming at the Wildcats (2-4, 0-2 NWC) straight from the whistle. Both teams played fairly evenly throughout the first half. Neither team gaining a goal until the 21st minute, when the Lutes scored the first goal of the game. Rainier Schlekewey knocked the first goal in off a corner kick. PLU took the one goal lead into the halftime break with shots evenly distributed with both teams finishing with two apiece.

The second half opened with even play between the Lutes and the opposing Wildcats. Neither team was able to score in the second period leaving the score at a 1-0 victory for the Lutes. The teams were tied in total shots and corner kicks for the game. Both RJ Noll and Cole Weaver, goalkeepers for the Lutes, split the shutout.

"We have a lot of room to grow. We had to grind out the win today. It wasn't pretty but three points is three points. It doesn't matter how you get it. We're looking forward to our trip to eastern Washington next weekend," said Cole Weaver.

A solid game from the Lutes left them at a 1-1 record for the start of their NWC season. The PLU Men's soccer team will continue their fight for the NWC championship next weekend against Whitman College and Whitworth University.