SPOKANE, Wash. – After having the first two weekends of its spring season postponed for health and safety precautions and mother nature, the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team did not disappoint in its 2021 spring season opener, defeating Whitworth University 1-0 in the Pine Bowl. 
 
After a scoreless first half, the Lutes (1-0, 1-0 NWC) final snapped the 0-0 tie in the 79^th minute when Sammy Tafolla found Dane Helle for PLU's first tally of the year. 
 
Strong defensive play preserved the victory for the Lutes as they allowed just three shots on goal in 90 minutes and Nicholas Gaston saved them all for the shutout in the freshman's first career start. 
 
Helle was the only Lute with multiple shots on the afternoon, while Rainier Schlekewey, Robby Guyer, Alex White and Sam Erickson all placed a shot on goal. 
 
The Pirates managed 13 shots in total on Saturday, led by Jonathan Guglielmetti, Victor Loyola, Christian Pumpelly and Jamie Rodriguez all producing two each. 
 
The two Northwest Conference foes will meet again tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 p.m. and the Lutes will be aiming for the weekend sweep.