SALEM, Ore. – Visiting Whitworth had trouble getting the offense on track in a 2-0 loss at Willamette University in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Saturday afternoon at Sparks Field.
The Bearcats (7-5-3 overall, 7-3-3 NWC) outshot the Pirates 20-5, including a, 8-2 edge in shots on-goal.
Oliver Hart kept the match scoreless through the first 40 minutes of the first half by making three saves. Lorcan Oliver scored his first goal of the season to get Willamette on the board in the 41st minute. Cody Stark and Carter Heikkila were credited with assists.
The game remained close for nearly 30 minutes into the second half. Colton Depner had a chance to tie the game for the Pirates (4-10-3, 2-8-3), but his shot was saved by Willamette keeper Mikkel Jensen.
Baylen Ponte gave the hosts a two-goal advantage with his first tally of the season in the 75th minute.
Hart finished with six saves in the match for Whitworth, while Jensen made two saves for the Bearcats.
Whitworth will look to bounce back when the Bucs play at George Fox on Sunday at 11:00 am.
