SALEM, Ore. – Cole Friesen's goal in the 80th minute lifted visiting Whitworth to a 3-2 win over defending Northwest Conference champion Willamette on Saturday in a riveting men's soccer match.
The Pirates (5-3-1 overall, 3-1-1 NWC) won their third straight contest and got their first win on the road this season. Whitworth will complete its trip to Oregon with a match at Linfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Bearcats (3-5 overall, 3-1 NWC) scored first when Jett Starr headed home a crossing pass from Samuel Twenhafel in the 37th minute.
Friesen tied the match one minute later with his own diving header from a pass near the top of the penalty area by Jordan Voigt.
Andrew Reed scored unassisted early in the second half to give Willamette the lead back.
Eric Shaporda retied the game in the 58th minute when he converted a penalty kick for the second time this season.
Voigt and Friesen combined again for the winner. The pair got free on a counter attack and Voigt sent a long pass forward to Friesen, who finished to the lower-left corner of the net. Friesen leads Whitworth with nine goals in nine matches this season.
Willamette finished with slight advantages in total shots (17-16) and shots on-goal (8-7). Whitworth had a 9-4 edge in corner kicks.
Anton Dershem played the first half in goal for the Pirates and had two saves while allowing one goal. Aiden Chase played the second half and made three stops while allowing a goal. Ibrahm Garza made four saves and allowed three goals for the Bearcats.
