Box Score WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Visiting Whitworth held on for an important 2-1 win over Whitman in a key Northwest Conference men's soccer match on Saturday afternoon.
The Pirates improved to 6-3-2 overall and 4-2-1 in the NWC, ending a three-game winless streak in conference road matches. The Missionaries dropped to 4-7-2, 3-3-1.
Whitworth was far more efficient in the attack on Saturday, scoring on two of the four Pirate shots on goal. Meanwhile Whitman had 11 shots on-goal and Whitworth goalkeeper Timmy Costa was able make 10 saves.
Sam Selisch gave Whitworth the lead in the 22nd minute with his team-leading fifth goal of the season. It came on a set play when he was able to head a free kick from Andrew French past Whitman keeper Stuart Ellsworth.
Tyler Clarke's first goal of the season in the 74th minute gave Whitworth the insurance goal it would eventually need. David Starkovich was credited with the assist on the play.
But Whitworth was caught celebrating. Less than a minute later Daniel Kim broke away from the Pirate defenders and got Whitman on the board with his first goal of the season.
Costa was up to the task at the end of the match, making a critical save in the final minutes on a header attempt by Whitman's Sam Perkins.
Whitworth returns to action next Saturday when the Pirates host league-leading Puget Sound.
