SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth men's soccer team generated plenty of scoring opportunities, but could only find the net once in a 3-1 loss to visiting Pacific Lutheran on Sunday at the Whitworth Soccer Field.
Craig Johnson scored twice for the Lutes (13-3 overall, 8-3 NWC), who swept the season series against the Pirates (7-7-2, 5-5-1).
All the scoring took place in the first half. PLU took a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Johnson, his 9th of the year in the 19th minute, and Trevor Thompson, his 10th in the 28th minute.
Tyler Wisen cut the lead in half for Whitworth in the 36th minute with his sixth goal of the season. Jaime Rodriguez and Beckett Arthur got the assists on the goal.
The Lutes were able to take advantage of a late defensive breakdown to score the final goal in the 45th minute. Brandt Kelly got the ball forward to Johnson, who finished into the top right corner for his 10th goal of the season.
Despite the 3-1 scoreline, shots were fairly even. PLU led 10-8 overall and 5-3 in shots on goal.
The Pirates forced PLU into a more defensive posture in the second half, outshooting the Lutes 14-10, including an 8-3 edge in shots on-target. Sterling Eaglin had the first on-goal attempt in the 51st minute, while Wisen nearly had his second goal in the 59th. Whitworth's final good scoring chance came in the 88th minute on a shot from Sebastian Horn.
Nicholas Gaston was up to the task, making ten saves for the Lutes. Andrew Wolotira had five stops for the Bucs.
Whitworth will play the final road matches of the season next weekend at Lewis & Clark, George Fox and Pacific (Ore.).
