TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team clinched the unofficial Northwest Conference State Championship on Sunday as it defeated the Blues of Whitman College for the second consecutive day at East Field.  The Lutes won 3-1 yesterday, before a 2-1 victory this afternoon. 
 
"We definitely are celebrating being the Washington state champs," said PLU Head Coach John Yorke.  "Given the schedule we have we wanted to finish at the top.  It's a non traditional season, but we took it serious and made a plan to grow and develop our team, especially because we are so young.  We also wanted to  continue our tradition of winning and excellence on and off the field and today reflected that." 

With the 2021 spring schedule limiting the men's soccer program to just opponents from the state of Washington, the Lutes have run their record to 8-2 after their seventh straight win on Sunday.  PLU is the only Washington program over .500 on the current campaign. 
 
In a fairly even first half, PLU lit the scoreboard just three minutes before halftime when Robby Guyer banged in a rebound off a Keeton Heggerness shot attempt for his first goal of the spring. 
 
In the second half, Elijah Thompson provided the game winner for the second consecutive match.  The freshman found the back of the net in the 64^th minute with Craig Johnson providing the assist. 
 
Whitman attempted to rally with a goal by Edwin Romero in the 73^rd minute, but it would be to no avail as the Lute defense stiffened and held them without out a shot down the stretch. 
 
PLU will close the home schedule on Wednesday night when they host University of Puget Sound for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.