WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Whitman College was unable to steal a victory Sunday afternoon against Linfield College. After falling behind by two goals in the first half, the Missionaries were unable to cut into the Wildcat lead. Whitman took eight shots on goal throughout the contest, but was unable to come away with points, falling to Linfield 2-0.
 
Whitman (3-12-2, 2-9-2 NWC) had the Wildcats on their heels early, taking six shots in the first 26 minutes. It looked as if the Missionaries were going to grab an early lead from Linfield (9-10, 5-8 NWC) as Bridger Sellegren fired shot from roughly 20 yards out that just missed to the right of the goal. In the 14th minute, Park Harmon delivered a header that missed over the top as the game remained scoreless.
 
In the 30th minute, Linfield broke the scoreless tie on a goal from Piikea Kailio. Three minutes later the Wildcats extended their lead to two on a goal from Moi Diaz. The Missionaries wasted little time firing back as Marcos Medina took a shot in the 34th that required Wildcat goalkeeper, Jorge Rodriguez to register a diving save.
 
Although the Missionaries found themselves trailing 2-0 at the half there were plenty of positives to draw away from the first 45 minutes of play. Whitman had outshot the Wildcats 9-4 and led five corner kicks to Linfield's zero.
 
The Whits offense was put on display in the second half as the team took 12 shots, but Rodriguez and the Linfield defense were up to the task. Sellegren had two shots in a five minute span that nearly narrowed the deficit, but with a Linfield save and the ball sailing high, Whitman remained scoreless.
 
The two first half goals proved to be the difference in the matchup as the Missionaries fell 2-0. Whitman gave itself a chance with 21 shots on the day while allowing Linfield just six. Unfortunately, the Wildcats did just enough to sneak out with the victory.
 
Whitman will play its final game of the season next Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. against Whitworth University at the Whitman College Athletic Complex.