TACOMA, Wash. – Squaring off with crosstown rival University of Puget Sound for the fourth and final time this spring, the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Loggers on Tuesday at East Field. 
 
The Loggers (5-7-2, 4-6-2 NWC) took advantage of their turn with the wind, scoring a goal in the 16^th minute that proved to be the game-winner on a blustery evening in Tacoma.  Liam Elliot appeared to send a high-arching cross into the box that got pushed all the way into the crossbar and ricocheted across the goaline for the game's only tally.  UPS controlled led the ball for most of the first frame and outshot the Lutes 3-2. 
 
PLU (10-4, 7-3 NWC) was aggressive in the final 45 minutes, ripping seven shots and placing five on net.  However, Logger keeper Andrew Matheny was up to the task, making five second-half saves to earn the clean sheet.  Keeton Heggerness was the most active for PLU as he had three shots, two shots on goal, but was unable to get the equalizer on a penalty kick in the 64^th minute. 
 
The Lutes held a distinct 8-1 advantage in corner kick opportunities and outshot the visitors 9-5 overall and 5-2 in shots on goal. 
 
Facing only in-state Washington foes for the 2021 spring season, the Lutes finish atop the Northwest Conference standings with 24 points.  Willamette University has won all eight of its matches against Oregon NWC coemption, but due to COVID-19 protocols, the two squads will not play this spring.