TACOMA, Wash.— The Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team battled with the Pirates of Whitworth University as Misha Turchaninov late penalty kick proved to be the difference maker resulting in a 2-1 victory Saturday afternoon.

PLU came in to today's contest in 2nd place in the Northwest Conference table behind the Whitman College Blues by two points. Lutes improve to 13-3-3 overall and 12-0-3 in NWC play now sitting T-1st with Whitman after today's win.

"I thought it was a really complete and mature performance by our players today," Head Coach John Yorke noted. "Obviously we need the result in this game to stay in the hunt for the NWC championship and they stepped up to the challenge against a very difficult Whitworth team. We are very thankful for our 10 seniors. I'm really proud of this group of guys for not only the players they are, but the men they've become."

Lutes came out humming to begin the first half ratcheting up pressure and making several runs forward on the back line of the Pirates. Ty Brunner opened the game up in the 31st minute redirecting a header towards goal off a floated ball in from Yuta Shimazu. The defense from Lutes showed their defensive prowess holding the Pirates to only four first half shots. Whitworth would get one on the board late in the 83 minute from a penalty kick to equalize the game at 1-1. Alvin Kamau would then lead a counterattack just two minutes later drawing a foul inside the 18 yard box. Turchaninov rose to the occasion, like the other side of the pillow, coolly stepped up and drilled the shot past the Pirates keeper to secure the game and the victory.

Landon Gordon earned another win in goal for the Lutes playing all 90 minutes and logging four total saves. 

Pacific Lutheran returns to action tomorrow for Senior Day against the Whitman College Blues with kick-off starting at 1:45 PM.