Box Score

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – An explosive second half helped lead the Whitman College men's soccer team to a resounding 6-0 non-conference victory Sunday night over cross-town rival Walla Walla University at the Sherwood Athletic Fields. Sophomore Alex Barsher netted two of the Missionaries' goals on the night, one in each half, as Whitman expanded its two-goal lead at the intermission into the most goals the program has scored in a game since at least 2008.

Barsher opened the scoring for Whitman (3-2) in the game's third minute, tapping in a short cross from Riley Paul on the first shot of the game. Over the next 24 minutes the Missionaries launched six more shots to just one from Walla Walla Univ. (0-4). The seventh time was the charm as Eric Conte pounded a hard shot toward the goal from nearly 30 yards out that deflected off a Wolves defender and looped over their goalkeeper into the back of the net early in the 28th minute.

Several more scoring opportunities arose over the remainder of the half but Whitman settled for the 2-0 advantage at the break.

Again it was Barsher who opened a half with a goal, this time heading in a long cross served up by Noah Cavanaugh out toward the left touch line in the 54th. Seven minutes later Cavanaugh was picking up another assist as his corner kick found Connor Welty to push the lead to 4-0.

Daniel Kim and Jacob Fritz teamed up for the fifth and sixth Whitman goals. Fritz put a shot on goal that was saved but not controlled by WWU goalie Josh Fry. The ball slipped through Fry's gloves and Kim took advantage scoring into the empty net in the 79th. The pair exchanged roles on the night's final goal in the 86th as Kim lofted in a pass from a corner kick and Fritz raced into the box to notch his first collegiate goal.

For the night Whitman piled up a 30-5 advantage in shots including an 18-1 edge in shots on goal. Dominance in possession was also displayed in the Missionaries' 12-2 lead in corner kick chances.

Milo Cantor picked up the shutout win in goal for Whitman coming up with one second-half save, while Fry suffered the loss for WWU despite finishing with 12 saves.

The Missionaries begin Northwest Conference action in their next outing, welcoming Willamette University to the Sherwood Fields on Saturday, Sept. 20 followed by a Sunday league match-up against visiting Linfield College. Both games are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. starts.