NEWBERG, Ore. — The two-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team lit up the scoreboard in the first half on Sunday, overpowering host George Fox University 5-1 at the Austin Sports Complex.

Ty Brunner opened the scoring in the seventh minute, beating the keeper on a shot to the lower left. It was Brunner's second goal of the weekend and his sixth of the 2025 season. Yuta Shimazu doubled the Lute advantage in the 19th minute before Owen Bliskis converted a penalty kick in the 22nd minute, his team-leading eighth of the season. 
 
Misha Turchaninov made it four goals in the first 27 minutes of play, scoring off a pass from Connor O'Brien. It was Turchaninov's fourth goal of the year and O'Brien's eighth helper of the season.  
 
The host Bruins (4-8-4, 2-7-3 NWC) broke up the shutout in the 71st minute with Andrew Everett scoring. PLU added to its lead in the 79th minute with Eric Martinez netting his first goal in a Lute uniform. 
 
Gio Aguilar-Gutierrez had an uneventful first half in goal, facing no shots on goal. Landon Gordon suited up for the second half, making four saves. 

"The guys had a really good intent today in the way we started the game," said Head Coach John Yorke.

"We have had  some conversations recently about elevating our performance level in certain areas and I think they did a good job of that today. There were some very good performances by some guys who stepped up into different roles."

Unbeaten in its last 11 games, Pacific Lutheran (8-3-3, 7-0-3 NWC) outscored its two opponents by a combined 8-2 scoreline over the weekend.

"Always good to get six points on the road so we are happy with that."

The Lutes are back in action on Wednesday afternoon, making the short drive across town to face University of Puget Sound. Kickoff is set for 2:45 p.m.