FOREST GROVE, Ore. - (From Pacific SID office) Whitworth's Matt Friesen turned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box into the game-winner Sunday as the Pirates took a 1-0 victory from Pacific Sunday in Northwest Conference men's soccer action at Lincoln Park Stadium.

Friesen's free kick was the match-winner

Friesen earned the opportunity in the 76th minute after Curtis Flournoy was fouled at the top of the 18-yard box. Friesen set up just the left side of the arc and hooked his shot just to the left of Pacific goalkeeper Andrew Stevermer for his team-leading seventh goal of the season.

The strike provided the only offense in what turned out to be a strong defensive match-up between the two sides. Whitworth (10-2-1, 8-1-0 NWC) held a 19-8 advantage in shots, an 8-1 edge in shots on goal and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.

Pacific (5-5-2, 3-4-2 NWC) managed only one shot in the first half. The Boxers' lone shot on goal came in the 75th minute when Jared Komo fired a shot from 12 yards out that was saved by Whitworth goalkeeper Scott Barnum.

Stevermer finished with five saves in the loss for the Boxers in 78 minutes of reserve action. Starting goalkeeper Chris Grasso had to leave the match in the 13th minute after he was injured in a collision with Flournoy on a shot attempt. Barnum made the one save to post his ninth shutout of the season.

Whitworth will try to maintain its lead in the NWC standings next weekend, hosting George Fox on Saturday and Willamette on Sunday in the first of four straight home matches.