WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The Whitman College men's soccer team's Northwest Conference title hopes took a serious hit today. The Blues now need a win its final game coupled by a loss from Pacfic Lutheran for an outright title after falling to Willamette 1-0 on Senior Day at the Whitman Athletic Complex.

Whitman (13-6, 10-3 NWC), now two points behind PLU in the conference standings must beat Whitworth on the road next weekend and couple that with a PLU loss at Puget Sound to claim the league's title outright. The loss also snaps Whitman's eight-game winning streak.

The game as a whole featured a pretty even contest but it was the Bearcats' lone goal in the 23rd minute that proved to be the difference. Ryan Sato's shot was headed wide of the goal but instead found Patrick Charlton's foot. Charlton collected the ball and fired it past Owen Davis-Bower into the back of the net.

Davis-Bower made two saves for the Blues including a point blank shot midway through the second half. Willamette (11-4-3, 8-4-1 NWC) keeper Mason Kelliher recorded a save in posting the shutout, his coming late in the game as he stuffed an attempt right at his near post.

Both teams had a handful of chances on goal with Whitman posting seven shots and Willamette four. The Blues made a push in the second half but often saw solid possession fail to materialize in the attacking third. 

Prior to kickoff, the team honored seniors Owen Davis-Bower, Jack Filipponi, Alex Cooper, Jadon Bachtold, Sean Thomas, Jimmy Jacobson, Erik Nielsen, David Chavarin, Gabe Weight, Joe Wally and Austin Betschart.

Whitman will play its must-win finale at Whitworth on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m.