TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team looks to continue its unbeaten Northwest Conference slate this weekend, closing out its home slate at East Field against Whitman College on Saturday and Whitworth University on Sunday.
Last weekend the Lutes (10-3-2, 7-0-2 NWC) traveled down to Oregon to face-off against Willamette University (8-3-3) and Linfield College (4-9-1). In the first match of the weekend, the Lutes defeated Willamette 2-1, thanks to goals by
Dane Helle in the 43rd minute and
Jackson Moore in the 59th minute. The second game against Linfield also ended in a 2-1 victory for the Lutes, with goals coming from
Zak Gregg in the 22nd minute and a double-overtime golden goal by
Keeton Heggerness in the 102nd minute.
"We were able to get two wins this weekend against two strong teams, by showing a lot of determination and grit," said senior midfielder
Jaisen Zurfluh. "Even when things may have gone against us and what we wanted, the way we came together and showed resilience was awesome to see."
The results of this past weekend have catapulted the Lutes to a 10-3-2 overall record, remaining undefeated in Northwest Conference play, while earning a spot in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll for the first time this season, checking in at No. 25.
"It feels amazing to be undefeated so far, but the job's not done yet! Hoping we can cash in on everyone's hard work and make it through the rest of our NWC games undefeated as well. Personally, I'm most looking forward to the rest of the season and competing for another NWC championship. Being able to do so with this group of guys is something special."
As a senior, Zurfluh has accumulated many positive memories over his time playing soccer at PLU, with a few memories sticking out to him.
"My favorite collegiate soccer memory so far has to be the comeback win away at Whitworth in 2017! Being able to be there and help the team win in a tough location is something I'll never forget."
Just as Zurfluh is giving his all out on the field for the Lutes, he is also giving his all in his studies in his senior year, with big goals to pursue post-graduation this year.
"My major is Exercise Science with a minor in Sport Psych, I'm planning to go to grad school for Athletic Administration or Sport Psychology. I've just always loved athletics, and specifically the inner workings of athletics like the science and psychology behind what makes athletes great on and off the field!"
With a huge weekend coming up, Zurfluh and the Lutes are preparing hard in practice to come away with maximum points against two strong teams in Whitworth and Whitman.
"Our preparation this week should be the same as it has the whole season: working on our game and pushing each other! If we compete and make each other better this week, the results will take care of themselves."
The Lutes are back in action this weekend as they host Whitman on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Whitworth University on Sunday in a huge senior day matchup at 2:30 p.m.
"I just can't believe I'm this old already! Time has really flown by, not just for me but probably for the other seniors as well. But I think we're just ready to leave it all out on the field and do what we can to help the team win not just this Sunday, but for the rest of the season!"
LuteLegion: The first 50 PLU students in attendance on Saturday and Sunday will receive a free LuteLegion t-shirt.
Senior Sendoff: Pacific Lutheran honors its senior class on Sunday with
Giovanni Brigola,
Tyler Erickson,
Matt Koczan,
Ola Kvindesland,
Zachary Manao,
Jackson Moore,
Emmanuel Saah,
Cole Weaver, and
Jaisen Zurfluh all participating in their final home game at East Field. The 2019 senior class has been exceptional on the field, winning two Northwest Conference titles and making one trip to the NCAA Championships. The 2019 seniors have compiled a 44-22-10 record on the pitch over the past four seasons, including a 22-6-6 record at East Field.
Oct. 26: PLU vs. Whitman at East Field (2:30 p.m.)
Series History: The Lutes and Blues have met 66 times since 1980 with the series slanted 51-12-3 in favor of PLU. The Lutes took the first meeting this season 3-1 behind a two-goal effort from
Zak Gregg.
About the Blues: Whitman (10-5, 7-2 NWC) lurks just two points behind the Lutes in second place in the conference standings. Since dropping a 3-1 match to PLU, the Blues have been red-hot winning its last five matches, including a pair of shutouts last weekend.
Whitman blanked Pacific University 2-0 last Saturday before cruising to a 3-0 victory the following day against George Fox University.
Oct. 27: PLU vs. Whitworth at East Field (2:30 p.m.)
Series History: Whitworth enjoys a 31-26-9 advantage in the all-time series that first began in 1982. The two squads last met on Sept. 28 in Spokane with the Lutes rolling to the 5-0 win behind a pair of goals from
Jackson Moore.
About the Pirates: Whitworth (7-7-1, 5-4 NWC) heads into the weekend having won two straight and four of its last six matches.
The Pirates tallied a pair of home shutouts last weekend, topping George Fox 1-0 and Pacific 2-0.
Chase Reidt leads the Whitworth offense in goals (5), assists (4), and points (14) while Britton Clifford adds four goals and a pair of helpers. Bo Broyles and Jesus Nunez have split time in net for the Pirates, combining for 50 saves with a 1.75 goals against average.
