SALEM, ORE. -- Whitworth University scored twice in the second half to expand on a 1-0 halftime lead, as the Pirates defeating Willamette University, 3-0, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Sparks Field. Whitworth upped its record to 5-1-1 overall and to 3-0 in the NWC. Willamette's record moved to 2-4-1 overall, including 0-3 in the NWC.
Ben Rotert scored the game's first goal at 7:36 on a header to the lower left corner of the goal. His shot converted a corner kick taken by Keith Kirsch. Neither team scored during the remainder of the first half.
The Pirates struck for their second goal at 59:05 on a shot from five yards out by Kirsch. WU goalkeeper Scott Klein (Fr., Coeur d'Alene, ID/Lake City High School) partially deflected the shot, but wasn't able to record a save. Ryan Powers was credited with an assist on the play.
Matt Friesen provided the Pirates with their third goal at 73:33 on a 6-yard shot to the top right corner of the net. Brent Zahn and Mickey Webb received assists, after setting up the scoring chance.
Whitworth's goalkeeper, Scott Barnum, earned the save and registered four saves. Klein contributed five saves for Willamette.
The Pirates achieved an 18-9 advantage in total shots and ended the game with an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. Whitworth also gained four corner kicks, while allowing two corners to the Bearcats.
WU continues its NWC schedule on Sunday (Sept. 22), when the Bearcats will face Whitman College. Game time at Sparks Field is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).
Whitworth University 3, Willamette University 0 - Box Score
