WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The Whitman College men's soccer team surged closer to an undefeated conference season and potential title with a commanding 5-1 victory over Linfield University in wet, rainy, and cold conditions on Sunday afternoon at James Hayner Field.
From the opening whistle, Whitman made their intentions clear, dictating play despite the slippery field. Fernando Lopez-Vega struck first in the 12th minute when he got his foot in on attempted clearance which bounced into the net.Â
That set the tone for the Blues (11-0-5, 10-0-2 NWC) as, just three minutes later, Riki Kobayashi doubled the advantage after connecting with a precise assist from Remy Marcks. Lopez-Vega wasn't finished as he found the net again in the 19th minute, giving Whitman a commanding 3-0 lead before Linfield could find their rhythm. Linfield's Sam Haynes managed to pull one back late in the half, but Whitman entered halftime up 3-1.​
Whitman didn't let up after the break. They continued to pressure Linfield's defense, adding two more goals. Lucas McAllister finished a solo run in the 64th minute, and Kevin Serrano capped the scoring just two minutes later with another unassisted effort. The offense kept firing, outshooting Linfield 22-9 and earning 11 corner kicks to Linfield's three.​
The Blues return to action next weekend with home matches against George Fox and Lewis & Clark.
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