Box Score McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Whitworth University opened defense of its Northwest Conference men's soccer title with a 1-0 win at Linfield on Saturday afternoon.
The Pirates improved to 3-1-1 overall and 1-0 in the NWC while the Wildcats dropped to 3-2, 0-1.
Sam Engle's first goal of the season was the difference in the game. He finished off a strong run with a shot from across the box in the 53rd minute. Spencer Wolfe had the assist on the play.
"Today we did some really good things," said Whitworth head coach Morgan Cathey. "But the game also showed certain elements that we need to work on."
Linfield outshot the Pirates 7-3 in the opening period and Shane Nishioka-Healy had to make all five of his saves in the first half. But the Whitworth defense tightened up and only allowed Linfield one shot in the second half, and that shot was not on-goal.
Jorge Rodriquez made four saves for the Wildcats as Whitworth finished with a 10-8 lead in total shots.
"We did a good job protecting the lead when Linfield threw numbers forward at us and I was proud of how resolute we were in the back," Cathey said.
Whitworth continues its trip through Oregon with a contest at Willamette on Sunday afternoon.
