SAINT PETER, Minn. — A five-minute window in the second half proved to be the difference maker as the Pacific Lutheran University men's soccer team fell 2-0 to 19th-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College on Sunday in a battle of NCAA Tournament teams as Gustie Field.

It was the two-time defending Northwest Conference Champion Lutes (0-2) second straight game against a 2024 NCAA Division III playoff opponent, battling the host Golden Gusties (2-0) who advanced to the second round of the tournament last fall.

"This was a good opportunity to grow as a group by playing two consistent D3 powerhouses," said Head Coach John Yorke.

"We played very well today. A couple of mistakes cost us but we created a lot of good attacking opportunities. The team moved in a positive direction this weekend. We're looking forward to a good week of training and getting back on the field against Wheaton and Santa Cruz."

The two squads battled to a scoreless first half with host Gustavus owning a 6-4 edge in shots after 45 minutes of play.

The Gusties got on the board in the 59th minute with Joe Flory converting a penalty kick. Gustavus would add an insurance goal five minutes later with Kieran Mahan scoring off a pass from Leo Runestad.

PLU outshot the hosts 6-4 over the second half with the teams finishing the game with 10 shots apiece. The Gusties had two of the three shots on goal and owned a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Ty Brunner and Owen Bliskis led the Lutes with three shots while Connor O'Brien, the Lute goalscorer from Friday, had the lone shot on goal.

Chris Jamrock was the keeper of record, playing 71 minutes and allowing two goals. Landon Gordon played the final 19 minutes between the posts. GAC's Micah Lesch earned the clean sheet, making one save over the 90 minute contest.

The Lutes open up their home slate on Friday, welcoming Wheaton College (Ill.) to East Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.