WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Carter Dawes and
Kevin Serrano scored early first-half goals as the Whitman College men's soccer team began defense of its Northwest Conference title with a 2-0 victory over Linfield on Saturday afternoon at James Hayner Field.
Dawes put the Blues in front just 2:03 into the conference opener, finishing a chance set up by Riki Kobayashi for his first goal of the season. Whitman doubled its advantage less than eight minutes later when Serrano scored in the 10th minute off an assist from Henry Pierce.
The early surge was all Whitman needed as the Blues improved to 3-1-1 overall and 1-0-0 in Northwest Conference play. Linfield fell to 1-3-1 overall and 0-1-0 in the NWC.
Whitman controlled the opening half, outshooting the Wildcats 12-1 and holding a 59-41 edge in possession. The Blues finished with a 15-10 advantage in total shots and earned six corner kicks to Linfield's three.
Linfield generated more pressure after halftime, recording nine of its 10 shots in the second period. The Wildcats put six second-half attempts on frame, but Tait Whittemore, who spelled starter Niclas Isensee, preserved the shutout.
Isensee made four saves over 69:08 to earn the victory, while Whittemore stopped all three shots he faced in relief. Linfield goalkeeper Colby Reese made three saves.
Kobayashi led Whitman with four shots and assisted on the game-winning goal. Dawes and Serrano each placed their lone shot on target and found the back of the net.
Whitman closes out the weekend against Lewis & Clark on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
#GoWhitman
