Meyer Tallies Winning Goal, Sherpe Posts Shutout

Whitworth (8-2-1, 6-1 NWC) Won at Whitman 1-0 Complete Box score

Brian Sherpe

WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Justin Meyer's goal in the 77th minute lifted visiting Whitworth University to 1-0 win at Whitman College in a Northwest Conference men's soccer match on Sunday afternoon.

The Pirates improved to 8-2-1 overall and 6-1 (18 points) in the NWC and hold onto sole possession of first place in the conference standings, two points ahead of Pacific (Ore.) at 5-1-1 (16 points) and three points ahead of Pacific Lutheran (5-2, 15).

The Missionaries dropped to 3-6-2, 2-4-1.

Whitworth survived an evenly played first half in which the Pirates were outshot 8-7 by the Missionaries. But Brian Sherpe (So., GK, Centennial, Colo.) made three key saves in the half for the Bucs.

Meyer's (Jr., MF, Olympia, Wash.) third goal in the last two matches came in the 77th minute. Keith Kirsch (Sr., F, Colbert, Wash.) and Elly Bulega (Sr., F, Tacoma, Wash.) were credited with assists. Meyer now is tied for the team lead with five goals this season.

Whitworth controlled play for much of the second half, outshooting Whitman 10-4. The Pirates finished with a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Sherpe had four total saves to post his third shutout of the season. Nic McDonald made two saves for Whitman.

Whitworth will host Pacific Lutheran (Saturday) and Puget Sound (Sunday) next weekend in a pair of important NWC contests.