Complete box score and play by play

WALLA WALLA, Wash.- (From Whitman SID Office) The Missionary men’s soccer team put up a good fight in its final game of the season Friday night at the Whitman Athletic Fields, but Northwest Conference champion Whitworth escaped with a 2-0 victory. The Pirates, ranked sixth nationally, finished undefeated in conference, boosting their NWC record to 13-0-1 and 16-1-1 overall. Whitman ended it season at 8-11, including a 6-8 record in the NWC.

The Missionaries started the game with an offensive flurry but were left with nothing to show for it. Ten minutes into the match, Whitman sophomore Andy Huntington took a free kick just outside the left side of the box, but his low blast was deflected by Whitworth keeper Kevin Bostock. In the scrum in front of the net following the deflection, a second Whitman shot bounced off the right post.

Ali Seyedali tallied a goal and assist for the Bucs

Three minutes later, a Whitman blast from 40 yards out hit the crossbar and Egan Brinkman's follow was deflected wide right. Finally, with 22 minutes remaining in the half, a Kirk Thorson free kick from just outside the box slipped through Bostock's hands but was cleared off the goal-line by Whitworth defenders.

Despite Whitman's pressure, Whitworth drew first blood. In the game's 27th minute. Jonathan Carlson sent a low ball from the left wing to the center of the field and Ali Seyedali slid hard into the ball, slamming it to the back of the net. The first half saw both teams take seven shots, but it was Whitworth leading 1-0 at the break.

The Pirates controlled the second half, taking eight shots to just two for Missionaries. Whitworth added its second goal 20 minutes into the half when Matt Friesen headed home an Ali Seyedali corner kick.

With just over six minutes remaining, Whitman's last chance was spoiled when a Cole Sherman header was saved by Whitworth goalie Scott Barnum, who had replaced Bostock at the break. Barnum and Bostock combined to make three saves for the shutout. Whitman freshman Brett Axelrod made six saves for the Missionaries.

Whitworth will find out Sunday about its next contest. The Pirates have qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament and pairings and match locations will be announced on Sunday evening. The first round play begins on Wednesday. But as the top rated team in the west region, Whitworth has a chance at a first round bye.