By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Whitworth University, ranked #9 in NCAA Division III by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), defeated Willamette University, 6-1, in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Sunday, Nov. 1. Karl Muelheims, the Pirates' leading scorer, produced two goals and now has 19 goals for the season.

The Pirates led 2-0 at halftime despite Willamette's 9-6 advantage in total shots, including a 4-2 edge in shots on goal. Whitworth outshot the Bearcats 13-6 in the second half and scored four additional goals before Eric Spresser (Sr., M/D, Pleasant Hill, OR/Pleasant Hill HS) earned Willamette's only goal at 86:18.

Whitworth upped its record to 15-1-1, including 11-1-1 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette dropped to 5-11-2 on the season, 4-8-1 in the NWC.

Muelheims opened the scoring at 7:37 on a goal asssited by Sam Donaldson. After receiving a cross from the right side, Muelheims scored near the post. Muelheims assisted on the second goal, which was scored by Sam Engle at 21:06.

Each team hit the goal once in the first half. A shot by Muelheims smacked the post at 23:46. Liam Main (So., D, San Francisco, CA/Marin Academy) took a shot for Willamette at 27:02 that bounced off the crossbar.

Whitworth goalie Shane Nishioka-Healy recorded four saves in the first half. He kept out two shots by Jack Elton (Jr., D, Corte Madera, CA/Redwood HS) and one each by Main and Noah Walin.

In the second half Nishioka-Healy was replaced by Tony Watters, who left the game at 55:58. Timmy Costa completed the game in goal for Whitworth. Josh Fuentes (Jr., GK, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) played the final 14:37 for Willamette.

Muelheims earned his second goal at 50:44 after taking a long pass from Engle and dribbling toward the goal. Jonah Snyder added a goal for Whitworth at 58:30 and Tyler Cardinale scored for the Pirates at 65:15. The goals by Snyder and Cardinale were assisted by Eric Espinonza.

The Pirates scored their final goal on a shot by Christina Haas at 81:35. Tanner Stepp set up the goal with a crossing pass.

Spresser stole the ball from Costa and shot it into the net to create Willamette's goal.

Whitworth outshot the Bearcats 19-15, including 8-6 in shots on goal. The Pirates gained a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Willamette will close out the season at Linfield College on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff in McMinnville, Ore., is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PST).