SPOKANE, Wash. – A pair of first career goals from a pair of defenders led the Whitworth Pirates to a 2-1 win over visiting UC Santa Cruz on Sunday at Whitworth Soccer Field.
The Pirates (2-2) converted on their limited chances, scoring two goals on just three shots on target. The Banana Slugs (1-2-2) added a late goal with under two minutes remaining, but the Bucs held on.
After a slow start from both sides, Whitworth struck first. Estevan Yoguez collected a failed UCSC clear and flicked the ball forward to Jaxsen Teeter, who turned to his left and fired the ball into the left side of the net for his first career goal. Teeter, who is primarily a defender, played in the Pirate's attacking third for much of the game.
Neither team gave any ground for the next 20 minutes until Whitworth capitalized on a set piece to double its lead. Colton Depner floated a free kick into the box where Logan McGrann headed it to the right side of the goal. Greyson Wheeler was there to quickly send the ball into the opposite corner with his left foot, another first career score.
UCSC played with urgency in the second half, outshooting the Bucs 6-2. The Slugs pressure resulted in a goal from Kotetsu Horike in the 88th minute, but Whitworth prevented another shot in the final two minutes.
The Banana Slugs finished with a 9-6 advantage in total shots and had four shots on target to Whitworth's three.
Teeter led the Pirates with two shots, both on target, and four other Bucs had one. Oliver Hart played the first half in net and made two saves. Dax Flanders played the second half, allowing one goal and making a save.
Michael Braun led the Banana Slugs with three shots and Tobias Jacobson-Bell made one save at goalkeeper.
The Pirate men jump into Northwest Conference play next weekend against Lewis & Clark and Linfield at Whitworth Soccer Field.
