WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The Whitman College men's soccer team opened the season with an exhibition contest against Eastern Oregon University, coming up short in a 2-1 loss to the Mountaineers on Tuesday evening at Hayner Field.

EOU struck early with a goal in the sixth minute. Off a throw-in that reached the penalty area, Abner Hernandez pounced on a loose ball and finished low past Lucas Haigh in net for the Blues. 

The Mountaineers nearly added another just over the midway point of the half. Haigh was forced to deal with a shot off the crossbar that was eventually cleared away out of danger. EOU finally did get its second when Marcos Bravo scored off a service to put his team up by two goals.

Sawyer Valero had a golden opportunity to slice the lead in half shortly before halftime. He intercepted an errant pass in front of EOU's own goal mouth, but sailed his bid on goal over the crossbar.

The Blues did slice the lead in half with just under 20 minutes to play. Pablo Gonzales, Jr. served a driven ball from the back ahead of Henry Pierce in front of the EOU penalty area. Keeper Anthony Lemus misjudged the ball and Pierce was able to reach it first and knock the ball into the back of the net.

Whitman would be unable to find the equalizer as EOU walked away with the one-goal win.

All three Whitman keepers saw action with Haigh earning the start and playing into the 35th minute. 

The Blues get the season going in earnest when they host The Evergreen State College on Saturday, August 31. Kickoff at Hayner Field is set for 7:00 p.m.