SPOKANE, Wash. – Boden Thomson's goal in the 72nd minute lifted Whitworth into a 1-1 tie with visiting Linfield in a Northwest Conference men's soccer game on Sunday afternoon at the Whitworth Soccer Field.
The Pirates (2-3-1 overall, 0-1-1 NWC) were able to avoid falling to 0-2 at home in the opening weekend of the conference season, thanks to Thompson's team-leading second goal of the season.
Neither team scored in the opening half, and it was fortunate for Whitworth. Linfield outshot the Bucs 9-2, had a 4-0 edge in corner kicks and had the half's only shot on goal.
The Wildcats finally took advantage in the 47th minute when Brody Dalgaard was able to finish from an assist by Oli Gaines. It was Dalgaard's second goal of the season.
Whitworth was unable to dent Linfield's defense until the match's final 20 minutes. The breakthrough came after a long free kick. Following a scrum in the penalty area, Thomson gained possession and scored to tie the match.
Linfield had the contest's best chances to break the tie in the final minutes. Oliver Hart, who came on as a substitute after starting keeper Dax Flanders left with an injury in the 13th minute, made three saves in the final eight minutes and finished with seven stops overall.
Jacob Toves made a pair of saves for Linfield.
Whitworth will return to action on Wednesday with a game at defending NWC champion Whitman.
