SPOKANE- Wash.— Whitworth could not make an early lead stand up against first place Willamette as the visiting Bearcats rallied for a 2-1 win in a Northwest Conference men's soccer match on Saturday.

The Pirates (4-4-2, 2-2-1) had opportunities to force tie, but could not get another shot past the Bearcats' (7-0-2, 5-0-0) goalkeeper Pierluca Carnovale.

Whitworth struck first in the 17th minute after Beckett Arthur stole the ball from a defender and broke away to connect with the bottom left of the box.

Willamette's Jett Starr scored his sixth goal of the season in the 28th minute to even the score. Pierce Gallway assisted.

Jake Oetinger scored the game-winner for the Bearcats in the 80th minute after a corner kick was not controlled by the Pirates.

The Bearcats outshot the Pirates 24-8 in total shots and 6-5 in shots on target.

The Pirates' goalkeeper Andrew Wolotira was credited with three saves in 90 minutes played. Carnovale had four.

Whitworth will take on Linfield next on Sunday at 2:30 PM.