SPOKANE, Wash. – A solid game plan from visiting Whitman College challenged nationally-ranked Whitworth University Saturday afternoon in men's soccer action but the third-ranked Pirates were able to find a goal in each half to squeak out a 2-0 victory over the Missionaries on the turf of the Whitworth Soccer Field.

Whitman (1-8-1, 1-5-1 NWC) created sustained pressure soon after the opening whistle, forcing goalkeeper Timmy Costa to come up with a pair of saves to keep his Pirates (10-0-1, 6-0-1) teammates even with the pesky Missionaries.

An unfortunate offside call on Whitman turned possession the other direction to start the 10th minute and within 30 seconds Whitworth was able to change the scoreboard. Karl Muelheims battled through a pair of Missionary defenders entering the box then slotted a shot into the lower left corner from five yards out to beat goalie Milo Cantor.

Pressure turned toward Whitworth's goal immediately after, though, but Daniel Kim's shot slipped left of the post to end a threat that seemed a continuation of Whitman's earlier thrusts into its attacking third.

Despite a continued presence in Whitworth's end the Missionaries had to settle for that narrow one-goal deficit entering the halftime break.


In the 70th a Hail Mary pass played over the top of the Whitman defense found a streaking Rylan Berriman who converted the opportunity into a 2-0 advantage for the home team.

Although trailing, the Missionaries continued their stifling defense late into the game, completely disrupting the Whitworth gameplan and keeping the Pirates at bay. Whitworth was only able to get four shots off in the final 20 minutes of the game, all of which were missed wide or high. Whitman's best chance at cutting into the Pirate's lead came late in the half, when Paal Nilssen's header narrowly missed left of the goal. 

The Whitties will leave Spokane with a lot to feel good about, as they competed with Whitworth from start to finish, allowing just six shots in the second half, only one on goal. Whitman goalkeeper, Milo Cantor, can hold his head high allowing just two goals and collecting four saves in a contest that ended up being much closer than most expected. 

The Missionaries return home next weekend for games against Pacific University and George Fox University on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Saturday's game is set to begin at noon, while Sunday's will kick-off at 2:30 p.m.