Soccer on NCAA tournament run

After winning the Northwest Conference, the Whitworth men’s soccer team faced a daunting week of NCAA tournament play and a chance to make history.

This Saturday, Nov. 14, they rose to the challenge presented by Chapman University, defeating them 2-0 in the first round of the tournament. The Bucs record went to 14-2-3 for the season, and Chapman finished the 2009 season at 11-5-2.

The Pirates took quick scoring advantage in both halves.

The first goal for the Pirates came in the seventh minute of the match from senior forward Keith Kirsch, his fifth of the season, with an assist by sophomore midfielder Dion Coxe.

Five minutes into the second half another opportunity arose as freshman forward Kekoa Mountcastle was fouled inside the penalty area, lining up senior forward Elly Bulega for the penalty kick. The shot was saved by Chapman goalkeeper Tyler Hadzinsky.

Eight minutes later sophomore midfielder Justin Meyer found sophomore midfielder Cameron Bushey who’s touch placed the ball in the net on the far post, giving Bushey his third goal of the season.

Whitworth was outshot by Chapman 12-9, however the Bucs led 5-3 in shots on goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Brian Sherpe was able to handle all three saves in Saturday’s game, raising his shutout total to eight games.

The Pirates went on Sunday to play the Claremont Mudd-Scripps Stags in the second round of tournament play.

Kirsch capitalized early on Sunday for the Pirates with a header off of a corner kick from Bushey.

After Whitworth’s early lead, the Stags picked up the play defensively to ward off the Pirate’s penetration.

The score remained 1-0 in Pirate favor until after halftime, when, in the 51st minute, the Stags’ freshman forward Jered Bernstein scored off of an assist from his teammate, freshman forward David Taylor.

With the score tied, the Pirates kicked into high gear in an attempt to regain control.

Seven minutes remained in regulation. Sophomore midfielder Nate Spangler gained possession of the ball near the middle of the field, broke free from his defender, dodged the rest of the Stag defense that posed a threat and fed the ball to Bulega. Bulega finished the shot from 12 yards out to give the Pirates the edge they were looking for.

The Pirates held the Stags for the few remaining minutes and ended the game on top.
The Pirates will move into the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament for the third time in school history.

Next weekend the Pirates will face off against Hardin-Simmons for the second round of play.

Contact David Rurik at david.rurik@whitworthian.com.
Contact Kara Heatherly at kara.heatherly@whitworthian.com.

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