TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team left no doubt on opening-night at East Field.  Competing at home to start the year for the first time since 2010, the Lutes allowed just one shot on goal on the evening and scored on a pair of headers for a decisive 2-0 victory over California Lutheran University.
 
"It's always great to get a win to start the year, especially at home," said PLU Head Coach John Yorke. "One of the things the guys wanted to do tonight was get a win since we haven't had a home-opener in a long time. There was a lot of excitement and a lot of energy."
 
PLU got on the board in the 25^thminute when Emmanuel Saah launched a cross into the box that was headed by Jackson Moore and redirected by Keeton Heggerness into the back of the net.  
 
Cole Weaver got the start in goal and made the only Lute save of the night in the first half before he gave way to Tyler Ohata and Marcus Martin.  The trio benefited from a stout Lute defense that relinquished just five shots.
 
Freshman Zak Gregg increased the cushion in the 69^thminute when he headed a corner kick from Zachary Manao to score in his first career match.  Gregg was active on the offensive end all night as he recorded six of PLU's 11 shots and was the only player to have two shots on net.  
 
"We weren't as smooth or clean as we want to be, but these early games are about ironing out some of those wrinkles and getting better," said Yorke.  "I thought we were much better in the second half than we were in the first half.  We will always take a 2-0 win."
 
The Lutes will continue their homestand on Sunday morning when they host Augsburg University at 11:00 a.m.