News Release Date:
Saturday, November 1

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- There were plenty of shots but no goals as Whitman College and Whitworth University, playing through a steady rain from late afternoon through early evening, battled to a 0-0 double-overtime in Northwest Conference men's soccer action Saturday at the Whitman Athletic Fields.

Whitman, which outshot the visitors 23-15, remains two points behind Whitworth at the top of the NWC standings. The second-place Missionaries are 7-2-3 in conference play, just behind the Pirates and their 8-2-2 record.

Both teams have two regular season games remaining. They take turns hosting Pacific and George Fox next Friday and Saturday.

Saturday's battle of the Whits was played on even terms through the first half. Midway through the stanza, a Pirate corner kick gave John Brookover a great look at the far post, but Whitman defender Joe Johnson was there to block the shot wide.

Then, with about 30 seconds left, Missionary Stephen Phillips knocked a rocket off the left post that richoted to the feet of an onrushing Jordan Thomas. The freshman forward's shot at an open net from the right side skidded high.

Whitman had the better chances in the second half, outshooting the Pirates 11-4 and forcing keeper Jeff Strock to make four saves. Marc Nabelek tested Strock early in the period, getting a left foot on a shot that the diving keeper pushed wide of the goal. Less than two minutes later, Greg Phillips skipped a hard grounder that bounced off Strock's chest, but one of his defenders was there to clear the ball.

Whitman's Jordan Droppert uncorked the only shot of the first 10-minute overtime. Whitworth held a 5-3 edge in shots over the final 10 minutes, but the Missionaries got credit for the only shot on goal.

Droppert had four shots to lead the home team's offense. Thomas, Nabelek and Stephen Phillips added three shots each.

Eddy Prugh had five shots for the Pirates. John Prugh added three more.

Whitman keeper Brett Axelrod made two saves en route to his eighth shutout of the season, which leads the NWC. Strock made five saves for Whitworth for his second shutout..

Box score

- 30 - 

CONTACT: Dave Holden
Sports Information Director
Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.
509 527-5902; holden@whitman.edu