TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team continues its non-conference slate this weekend, traveling to Saint Louis, Missouri to face Washington University and Fontbonne University. 
 
Last weekend the Lutes (1-1) opened the season with non-conference home matches against California Lutheran University and Augsburg University. The team fought hard in both games taking a 2-0 win against Cal Lutheran on Friday thanks to goals from Keeton Heggerness and Zak Gregg before falling 3-2 to Augsburg in a game the visiting Auggies tallied three second half goals. 
 
"There are good and bad things we can take from both games played," said transfer sophomore Keeton Heggerness. "Moving forward to this weekend, we will not make the same mistakes we made in our previous games, and we look to build off the positives and learn from the negatives."
 
Heggerness is transitioning well in the Lutes offense having scored multiple goals for the team in their few games. The Gig Harbor, Washington native joins the Lutes after playing last season in Hawaii for Division II Chaminade University where he played in eight games for the Silverswords. 
 
"It feels great to score my first few goals as a Lute. I'm always happy to help my team win in any way possible. The transition has been very smooth, everyone is so nice, and PLU is such a welcoming campus to everybody."
 
Heggerness is always looking forward to the transition to PLU in an academic standpoint, as he soon begins his sophomore year.
 
"I'm a Business Major and intend to start my own business after graduation in 2022. My interest in this field definitely stemmed from my mother who is a great role model."
 
Outside of the demands of athletics and academics, Heggerness really enjoys being outdoors particularly fishing, hiking, and swimming.
 
Heggerness has really enjoyed his time with the Lutes so far and believes the chemistry within the team is very strong to start the season.
 
"It's a great group of guys to be around. We are always with each other on and off the field, and no one feels out of place when they are with the team. I am most looking forward to winning a NWC championship this season and spending time with my teammates."
 
Heggerness and the Lutes are looking forward to continuing the non-conference portion of the schedule in a winning fashion as they travel to St. Louis to take on WashU at 7 p.m. (Central) on Friday, and Fontbonne at 11 a.m. (Central) on Sunday.
 
Sept. 6: PLU vs. WashU in Saint Louis, Missouri (7 p.m. Central)
 
Series History: This is the first all-time meeting between the Lutes and Bears. 
 
About the Bears: WashU (0-1-1) is searching for its first win of the season after being held scoreless the opening two games of the season. The Bears opened the season with a 1-0 setback to 11th-ranked University of Saint Thomas with the Tommies scoring the lone goal on a penalty kick just 15 seconds before halftime intermission. Two days later, the Bears ripped off 14 shots, including eight on goal but was unable to sneak one past the keeper, settling for a 0-0 double overtime stalemate with Macalester University.
 
Matt Martin has played every minute in goal for the Bears, boasting a 0.45 goals against average with eight saves on the season. 
 
Sept. 8: PLU vs. Fontbonne in Saint Louis, Missouri (1 p.m. Central)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Griffins have never met on the soccer pitch.
 
About the Griffins: Fontbonne (0-2) opened the season in Wisconsin and returned to Saint Louis empty handed, dropping a pair of games, The Griffins fell behind 3-0 early in the second half in a 4-1 setback to Concordia University Wisconsin before yielding three second half goals in a 4-0 defeat at the hands of University of Wisconsin-Platteville. 
 
Fontbonne's lone goal came off the boot of Mike Massay with Bryan Carroll earning an assist on the score. In goal, Ethan Cowell and Eric Volk have each logged a start, combining for 17 saves.