Gustavus 2, Whitworth 1 : Complete box score and play by play

GREENSBORO, N.C..- Jeffry Johnson's goal in the 76th minute and Tyler Garry's save with five minutes remaining lifted Gustavus Adolphus College to a 2-1 win over Whitworth College in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III men's soccer championships on Friday night at McPherson Stadium.

Skye Henderson tallied his fifth goal of 2005

The Pirates conclude their best ever season with a record of 19-2-1. Whitworth set new school records for total victories and winning percentage (.886). The Gusties (17-2-5) advance to play top-ranked, defending national champion Messiah College (Pa.) in Saturday's championship game.

Gustavus got on the board first when Alex Groth booted in Jordan Iblings' free kick in the 11th minutes. Iblings' kick came from just outside the right side of the box. It was Groth's ninth goal of the season.

Whitworth tied the match when Sean Lambrecht passed to Skye Henderson after a scramble in front of the net, following a Pirate free kick. Henderson just snuck the ball past Garry inside the right post. Henderson's goal was his fifth of the season.

The Gusties scored the game winner on their only shot on goal in the second half. Jeffrey Johnson collected a deflection in front of the Pirate goal and beat Whitworth keeper Kevin Bostock at 75:12 for his seventh goal of the year.

Whitworth brought heavy pressure on the Gustavus end in the final ten minutes, forcing six corner kicks. The Pirates' best chance came with just under six minutes to play when Whitworth's John Carlson was open with the ball from five yards. But his shot was saved by Garry and the Pirates did not get another shot on goal the rest of the match.

Garry finished with three saves for Gustavus. Bostock did not have an official save for the Pirates.

Whitworth was only the second team from the Northwest Conference to ever advance to the men's final four. The Pirates will return seven starters in 2006 when they begin their defense of two straight NWC titles.