McMINNVILLE, Ore. - (From Linfield SID office) Northwest Conference leader Whitworth handed Linfield a 1-0 loss Saturday at the Linfield soccer field. In the 40th minute Elly Bulega assisted John Prugh for the deciding goal of the match.

Prugh scored the only goal of the match

With the win Whitworth moves to 9-2-1 overall and 7-1 in NWC action. Linfield slumps to 6-5-1 overall and 2-5-1 in conference play.

After holding the Pirates scoreless for the majority of the first half, Bulega found Prugh in the box, allowing him to beat Linfield goalkeeper Mike Belzberg. With Belzberg coming out for the ball, Prugh chipped a shot over the goalie into the net.

Linfield could not muster an offensive attack throughout the game. Whitworth, who has allowed just six goals through 12 games this season held Linfield in check and controlled the game for all 90 minutes.

Dereck Ponce got off the most potent Linfield shot of the day with 15 minutes left in the game. He was able to drill a lightening rod past Whitworth defenders, but Pirate keeper Scott Barnum elevated and made the save.

Barnum was fabulous in goal for the Pirates, finishing with five saves and earning his eighth shutout of the season.

Mike Belzberg tallied four saves for the game.

The Pirates outshot the ‘Cats 9-8 for the match, even though Linfield held an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.

Whitworth will continue the Oregon road trip with a match on Sunday at Pacific University. The Boxers were defeated 2-1 in overtime by Whitman College on Saturday.