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DECORAH, Iowa -- Goalkeeper Clayton Lynch (SO, Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Xavier HS) claimed six saves to record his sixth career shutout, as the Augsburg College men's soccer team opened its season with a 0-0, two-overtime tie with host Luther College on Thursday evening.

Lynch claimed his sixth shutout in his ninth career start in goal for the Auggies. He had two saves in overtime, including a key save on a breakaway with about four minutes left in the second overtime. Luther goalkeeper Steve O'Meara had seven saves.

"It as a fair result for the first game of the season on the road against a very good Luther team," said Augsburg head coach Greg Holker. "I thought their goalkeeper was really sharp on the night. He turned Gottlieb Uahengo's (SO, Windhoek, Namibia/St. George's College) chance around the post, handled Josh Sweeney's (JR, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS) chance, and closed the gap on a few others. It was difficult for us to beat him on set pieces because he was so strong in the air -- and we were without Chad Gilmer (JR, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS).

"Our back four were pretty strong overall, particularly David Scheller (SR, Maple Grove, Minn.) and Peter Loyd (SR, Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong HS)," Holker added. "Luther had two just two chances to score: Austin Walther's free kick from 25 yards that Lynch parried wide and then Brock Arend's great chance with a few moments left in the second OT that Lynch flew out to smother. That save was a game-saver for us."

The game was an evenly-played matchup between Augsburg, last year's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoff champions and NCAA Division III national tournament participant, and a Luther squad that returned eight starters from last year's lineup.

"We certainly had our share of chances," Holker said. "Scott Clinton (FY, Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson HS) had one deflected just over the top at the end of the first half and we missed a free goal off the post from five yards out with two minutes to go in regulation. If we want to be playing in the postseason, we have to score these chances. For now, we get to learn and move forward, knowing there is room to grow."

Augsburg will return to action next Thursday (9/8) at 7:30 p.m. with its home opener against Whitman (Wash.) at Edor Nelson Field.

"We get some time now to sharpen up before we open up our home portion of the season against last season's Northwest Conference runner-up Whitman College," Holker said. "I know I can't wait to play at home in front of our alumni and fans, and I am sure the guys feel the same way."