TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team will look to get back to its winning ways this weekend as they head south to play Willamette University in Salem and Linfield College in McMinnville.
 
Last weekend, the Lutes (8-3-2, 5-0-2 Northwest Conference) battled the University of Puget Sound (7-2-3) in the crosstown rivalry, with the overall score finishing 1-1 at the end of overtime. The Lutes took the lead in the ninth minute of play thanks to a great backheel goal by forward Keeton Heggerness, with UPS equalizing in the 90th minute of play in heartbreaking fashion to force overtime. 
 
Although the draw is not what the team would have been hoping for after the early lead, a draw keeps them undefeated and in first place in the conference heading into the halfway mark.
 
"We definitely feel like we should have come away with more than a point, which was really heartbreaking, but we always pride ourselves on winning and at least not losing in overtime on our home turf," said senior midfielder Tyler Erickson. "Every week we train with a 10-minute game to prepare for these overtime situations, which helps us build confidence in the high-pressure situations."
 
Erickson is looking forward to the second half of the season with the team and seeing if the team can push for another conference title.
 
"I'm very excited going into the second half of the season, with our team currently leading the NWC, with plans of keeping it that way and coming away with yet another conference championship. Off the field, I am excited to finish my senior capstone this fall but the realization is hitting hard that my time at PLU is coming to an end sooner rather than later."
 
As a senior, Erickson is looking forward to finishing up his academic years at PLU and taking his experience and memories into the real world.
 
"I am double majoring in environmental studies and biology. I am not sure exactly what I want to do post-graduation, but I hope to further my education in biology with an end goal in dealing with fisheries."
 
"Growing up I have been heavily involved in boy scouts which got me connected to fly-fishing. From these experiences with the scouts, I have gained extreme interest in aquatic eco-systems and protecting the environment in general. I hope that I will be able to take these experiences and apply them to my career path in the near future."
 
Outside of academics and soccer, Erickson finds many activities to keep him busy in his free time.
 
"When I have free time, I like to remain active, play sports like basketball and volleyball with friends. Also,when I am back in Colorado, I am an avid fly-fisherman and take all the opportunities I can to get out on the water."
 
As a senior, Erickson has many soccer memories that he remembers fondly over the years.
 
"One of my favorite memories on the PLU soccer team, was defeating UPS at their stadium after falling behind 2-0 in the first half, to defeat them 4-3 after 90 minutes. It took a great high-energy comeback effort to come away with all three points, and really showcased the PLU grit and perseverance to never give up."
 
As the team heads to Oregon this weekend, they are undefeated and at the top of the NWC table going into the second half of the season.
 
"It feels amazing to be undefeated in NWC conference play so far, but the last two games have definitely been eye-openers for us as we failed to finish out games and come away with maximum points. Going into the second half of the season it is apparent that there is a target on our backs and that many challenges still await in our pursuit of another conference title."
 
The Lutes will look to continue their unbeaten run as they travel to Salem to play Willamette University on Saturday at 12 p.m. and McMinnville to play Linfield College on Sunday at 12 p.m. 
 
"All week we have been trying to up our pace of play, while still remaining calm and composed. We have had three good sessions which will hopefully lead to two great performances this weekend against Willamette and Linfield. We are entering the week with the clear mindset of getting all six points, and if we play to our best ability, we can definitely achieve that goal as a team."
 
Oct. 19: PLU vs. Willamette in Salem, Oregon (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Bearcats have met 66 times since the 1980 season with PLU holding a 37-24-5 edge in the all-time series. The two squads met just two weeks ago, battling to a 1-1 double overtime draw. Zak Gregg tallied the Lutes' goal in the 74th minute that ultimately pushed the game to overtime.
 
About the Bearcats: Willamette (7-2-3, 4-2-1 NWC) is unbeaten in its last two games, battling to a 1-1 double overtime draw against PLU on Oct. 6 before earning a 2-1 win over Linfield last weekend. The Bearcats have been a tough squad to play at home, enjoying a 5-1-1 record this season at Sparks Field.
 
Nicholas Ballenger leads the team with five goals on the season while Yushiro Shiomi is the leader in both assists (six) and points (14). Goalkeeper Mason Kelliher has made 26 saves on the season with a 0.82 goals against average. 
 
Oct. 20: PLU vs. Linfield in McMinnville, Oregon (12 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Wildcats have met 63 times on the soccer pitch since 1980 with PLU enjoying a 40-20-3 edge in the all-time series, including winning the last six encounters. The last meeting on Oct. 5 was a memorable one with host PLU prevailing 4-0 for Head Coach John Yorke's 200th career win. 
 
About the Wildcats: Linfield (4-7-1. 2-4-1 NWC) heads into the weekend looking to bust out of a three-game slump and a four-game winless streak. The Wildcats bested George Fox University 2-1 in double overtime on Sept. 28 before salvaging a 1-1 tie against Pacific University the next day. Linfield was overpowered 4-0 by Pacific Lutheran while suffering 2-1 setbacks to Puget Sound and Willamette. 
 
Cesar Cruz-Espindola leads the Wildcats in both goals (five) and points (12). Cameron Perron and Nick Van Kleek have split time in goal, combining for 50 saves while conceding 24 goals.