MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Cris Lozano recorded a hat trick as the Pacific Lutheran men's soccer team used a huge second half to defeat Linfield 6-0 on Saturday in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams.

The Lutes (6-0-0 overall, 1-0 NWC) scored five times in the second half to overwhelm the Wildcats.

Lozano scored in the 48^th, 53^rd and 64^th minutes to net his first collegiate hat trick.

"It was good to see our goal scorers scoring goals," PLU coach John Yorke said. "I'm happy with the guys' ability to take a slow first half and increase our effort and intensity in the second half."

Trevor Thompson scored his fourth goal of the season off an assist from Robbie Guyer in the 25^th minute to open the scoring.

It remained that way until Lozano scored his first goal off a rebound that the opposing goalkeeper couldn't corral.

He scored his second on an assist from Cole Dobson to make it 3-0 and after a goal by Sam Erickson in the 60^th minute, Lozano finished off his spectacular afternoon with a penalty kick goal.

"We are happy to start off conference play with a win and a shutout," Yorke said.

The shutout was the first this season for the Lutes, who got their sixth goal from Brandt Kelly on an assist by Archie Caldwell in the 87^th minute. Craig Johnson assisted Erickson's goal.

PLU out-shot Linfield 18-9, including 10-2 on goal. Nicholas Gaston earned the victory in goal, making the two saves while Lucas Hempen came on and saw out the final 31 minutes.

The Lutes are back in action at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Willamette.