WALLA WALLA, Wash. – In a well-contested matchup between Northwest Conference heavyweights, the Whitman College men's soccer team came up just short, falling 1-0 to Willamette on a goal in the sixth minute of overtime, Saturday at the Whitman Athletics Fields.
The Bearcats, who improved on their undefeated league record, drew a foul midway through the first overtime. The ensuing service into the Whitman penalty area led to a scramble in front of the goal and eventually a shot from Mack van der Velde that found the back of the net past Blues keeper
Matt Reich.
The loss drops the Blues (6-5, 5-3 NWC) three games back of the league-leading Bearcats (10-1-1, 8-0 NWC) for the top spot in the Northwest Conference.
The first half featured excellent possession by both teams and solid defensive play preventing either team from finding the back of the net. Willamette nearly drew a handball for a penalty kick in the 13
th minute with Whitman's first serious scoring opportunity coming midway through the half.
Peter Stephens drew a foul just outside the box but
Erik Nielsen's free kick sailed over the cross bar.
The intensity turned up on the second half with the match becoming more physical.
CJ Fritz had a golden opportunity to score but
Austin Betschart's service was tipped wide just out of the reach of Fritz's foot. Later in the half,
Jadon Bachtold delivered a service from the same flank, this time finding the foot of Nielsen who volleyed the shot over the cross bar.
Possession was at a premium during the last 15 minutes and into overtime but it was Willamette who capitalized on a set piece opportunity for the gamewinner.
The Blues return to the pitch on Sunday for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff against Linfield.
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