THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. --- The Pacific Lutheran Women's Soccer team began their Northwest Conference title defense on Saturday against the California Lutheran Regals. The Lutes and Regals remained tied after 90 minutes of play.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
In the first half, both squads traded shots while the Regals maintained offensive possession for the majority of the half. Yet the Lutes managed to get two shots off as one was saved by Regal goalkeeper. The Regals although were able to take four shots, two of which were saved by sophomore Abby Winkler. A key part of Head Coach Seth Spidahl's game plan was to set-up corner kicks for the Lutes, giving them scoring opportunities. The Lutes did just that in the first half, owning four corner kicks to the Regals two.
 
In the second half, the Lutes defense stood tall as the Regals put two shots on goal. The Regals managed to take four shots to the Lutes one. The Lutes didn't manage to get a shot on goal. Cal Lutheran had more corner kicks in the second half with four, meanwhile the Lutes had 2.
 
INSIDE THE STATS
 
Junior Julia Causbie lead the Lutes in shots with three as well as lead in shots on goal with two. Sophomore Abby Winkler played in goal for the full 90 minutes and recorded four saves.

HEAR FROM COACH SPIDAHL
"What a great start to the season! A big time college soccer atmosphere like an NCAA playoff game under the lights with fans and chants. What a great experience for our team and our players in game one. I'm super proud of how they competed. I thought we were pretty good in the first half. Credit to Cal Lutheran, they turned it up on us in the second half and we had to defend a lot. They are a very good team, they go the player of the year back and some Division I transfers. They could easily win their conference this year, and so for us to come down to their place and get a 0-0 tie, we played very well but we have some work to do. We are playing a very challenging preseason. But I am very pleased with how we played a tough opponent on the road. We will look to finish the trip strong against a good opponent in La Verne tomorrow. Go Lutes!"
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
 
The Lutes Women's Soccer team will continue play in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Tomorrow against the Leopards of La Verne University at 6 p.m.
 
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