PARKLAND, Wash. – Jaxsen Teeter's goal in the 73rd minute paired with exceptional effort by the defensive back line lifted visiting Whitworth to an upset win over Pacific Lutheran in a Northwest Conference men's soccer match on Sunday at East Field.
It was the Pirates' (3-7-2 overall, 1-5-1 NWC) first road win over the Lutes (8-2-2, 6-1-1 NWC) since October 19, 2014, and first conference win of the season. The last home victory over PLU came in the non-traditional 2021 spring season.
Pacific Lutheran took over first place with a head-to-head win over Whitman on Saturday but fell back into a tie for the top spot following the Blues' win over Puget Sound.
The talented Lute defense allowed just six Pirate shots in the match. Despite the limited opportunities, Whitworth generated quality ones. Early in the second half on a counterattack, Teeter fed Connor Bly on the right side who sent a low shot just wide. Two minutes later, Ryland Crane and Sebastian Alvarez connected on a similar play with another shot going just left of goal.
Whitworth broke through with the game winner in the 73rd minute. Following a throw in, Samuel Kawakami lobbed the ball into the box where Teeter jumped and headed it over the outstretched arms of Lute goalkeeper Landon Gordon. It was Teeter's second goal of the season.
PLU sent five shots toward net following Teeter's goal, with four on target. The Pirate defense was up to the task, clearing the ball and preserving the shutout. Goalkeeper Oliver Hart set a new career high with 10 saves.
Alvarez led the Pirates with two shots. Aaron O'Byrne, Teeter, and Estevan Yoguez each tallied one shot on goal.
Ty Brunner led the Lute attack with seven of the team's 18 shots. Gordon made two saves and Chris Jamrok allowed the goal in 45 minutes each in net.
The Pirate men will take the momentum of this win into the second half of conference play next weekend at Linfield and Lewis & Clark.
