NEWBERG --- Despite Jackson Keller's early goal, Pacific Lutheran outlasted the men's soccer team, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon at Austin Sports Complex.

Recap

Keller wasted no time, netting the Bruins lone goal of the match in the 14th minute. The sophomore fielded a pass from Tyson Horn before taking on two defenders. PLU keeper Cole Weaver came out of the goal just as Keller beat him with a slow roller to the left side of the net.

Possession balanced out for a while before the Lutes settled and regained control in the final 15 minutes. PLU produced several chances and a slew of corners, but the defense stepped up and didn't force Lopez's hand until less than seven minutes remaining in the half.

With 4:14 to go in the first, Zak Gregg redirected a corner high into the Bruins' net. Two Lutes let the corner pass, throwing off the Bruin defenders and giving Gregg the opening.

The half ended in a 1-1 tie with the Lutes holding a 10-1 edge in corners. The Bruin defense blocked nine of PLU's 19 shots in the first half with Lopez making just three saves.

With a clean slate to open the second period, PLU picked up the tempo out of the break. Any Bruin momentum was stopped when Gregg scored back-to-back goals in under seven minutes. The scores bookended shots on goal from Keller and Ohm Harape.

The Blue & Gold began moving the ball more efficiently, and Cole Bautista had the best look at revenge in the 68th minute, but the Bruins were unable to overcome the second-half blows.

Top Performers

Keller led the Bruins with three shots on the day, including the early goal. Harape tallied two shots while four other Bruins added one apiece. Despite the scoreline, the Bruins defense was phenomenal. Lopez made six saves while he and the backline faced 31 total shots.

What It Means

With the loss, the Bruins fall to 5-12-2 on the season with a conference record of 2-10-1.

What Comes Next

The Bruins host Pacific (Ore.) next Saturday, Nov. 9 in their final game of the season. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.