Pirates Clinch Third Straight NWC Title

Whitworth (13-2-3, 11-1-2 NWC) Defeated Whitman 1-0 Complete Box score

Brent Zahn

SPOKANE, Wash. - Brent Zahn's goal in the 83rd minute lifted Whitworth University to a 1-0 win over visiting Whitman College, clinching the 2009 Northwest Conference men's soccer championship for the Pirates.

Whitworth improved to 13-2-3 overall and 11-1-2 in the NWC, winning its third straight conference championship and fifth in the last six years. The Bucs claim the NWC's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.

Kevin Kuh made several spectacular saves in goal for the Missionaries (4-12-3, 3-9-2) to keep his team in the game.

Whitworth outshot Whitman 20-10, including a 13-3 edge in shots on goal. The Pirates had nine corner kicks to four for the Missionaries.

Whitworth finally got on the board after a ball was lofted into the Whitman box and Kuh went up for the ball alongside Whitworth's Justin Meyer (So., MF, Olympia, Wash.). Neither player gained possession and the Zahn (Sr., MF, Eagle River, Alaska) grabbed the loose ball and scored into an open net for his fourth goal of the season.

Whitman leading scorer Todd Wallenius had a couple of shot attempts in the final seven minutes, but neither were able to get past the Pirate defensive back line. Whitworth keeper Brian Sherpe (So., GK, Centennial, Colo.) made a pair of saves in the first half, including a header by Wallenius in the final minute of the period. Sherpe finished with three total saves for the shutout.

Whitworth becomes the first NWC team since 1990 to claim three straight conference titles in men's soccer. The last school to accomplish the feat was also Whitworth (1988-90). Whitworth has now won six NWC men's soccer titles under head coach Sean Bushey in his 14 seasons leading the team.

The Pirates will find out where and when they will open the 2009 NCAA Division III tournament on Monday morning.