MCMINNVILLE, Ore. --- Linfield men's soccer (1-13-3, 1-9-3 NWC) fell to the Pacific Lutheran Lutes (11-3-3, 10-0-3 NWC) on Saturday afternoon, the Lutes remain one of the two best teams in the Northwest Conference standings. 
 
The Lutes struck early, scoring twice in the opening six minutes to take firm control. Pacific Lutheran converted a penalty kick just 3:24 into the match to give the Lutes a 1-0 lead. Less than three minutes later, PLU doubled the advantage with a finish from close range following a series of corners.
 
Goalkeeper Jacob Toves made a crucial save in the 22nd minute to deny another Lute effort, keeping the Wildcats within reach. Midfielders Jaren Nishikawa and Tate Bliss worked hard to steady possession, while defender Aedan Carroll provided Linfield's best look of the half with a shot on frame that forced a save from Pacific Lutheran's Landon Gordon.
 
After halftime, Linfield conceded a third goal in the 48th minute—taking a 3-0 lead on Linfield early in the second half. 
 
The 'Cats persistence paid off in the 71st minute when midfielder Ross Vargo converted from the penalty spot to pull one back for Linfield. The goal was Vargo's fourth of the season, and it gave the Wildcats a surge of energy down the stretch.
 
Linfield continued to apply pressure, earning their lone corner kick of the match and generating five second-half shots after recording just one in the first 45 minutes. Vargo led the way with three total attempts, including two on target, while Carroll added another shot on goal.
 
Toves finished with three saves in his 90 minutes in goal, holding firm after the early goals and keeping the Wildcats competitive throughout the remainder of the match.
 
Pacific Lutheran outshot Linfield 19-6, including a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. The Lutes earned 11 corner kicks to the Wildcats' one and committed 17 fouls compared to Linfield's nine. 
 
Men's soccer will host the Puget Sound Loggers tomorrow afternoon at 1:45 p.m. to wrap up the weekend matches.
 
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