WALLA WALLA, Calif. – The Whitman College men's soccer team took on Pacific Lutheran University at the Whitman Athletic Fields on Saturday afternoon. The Blues entered looking to extend their undefeated conference record but dropped the game to the Lutes 1-0 in Northwest Conference action.

The Lutes (6-3, 2-1 NWC) scored the game's lone goal with four minutes left in the first half. After drawing a foul on the right flank outside the penalty area, PLU's Jaisen Zurfluh delivered the free kick in front of the goal as Rainier Schlekewey knifed in and headed the ball past Blues goalie Matt Reich. Reich notched four saves on the afternoon.

Whitman's Sam Johnson recorded two shots on goal and PLU's goalkeeper RJ Noll recorded six saves.

Despite the Lutes committing 13 fouls, the Blues were unable to find the back of the net and settled for their first league loss.

CJ Fritz added a shot on goal in the second half that barely grazed the top of the goal. Peter Stephens had a shot on goal with 5:30 left in the game, nearly giving the Blues a chance to take the game to overtime. Noll came in clutch and recorded his sixth save of the afternoon to preserve the win for PLU
 
The Blues retake the field tomorrow hosting the University of Puget Sound at 2:30 p.m.