Pirates top Gusties in overtime

OSHKOSH, Wis. – Keith Kirsch scored halfway through the first overtime to give Whitworth a 2-1 win over Gustavus Adolphus in the opening round of the NCAA Division III men’s soccer tournament Friday.

With the win, the Pirates advance to play host Wisconsin-Oshkosh, which beat Wartburg 2-0, today in the second round.

Mike Butterworth opened the scoring with his 15th goal of the season in the 60th minute to give Gustavus Adolphus a 1-0 advantage.

Whitworth’s Elly Bulega tied it at 1 in the 79th minute, heading in a short pass from Ben Rotert.

Goalkeeper Scott Barnum finished with four saves for the Pirates (15-3-1), who are 3-0 all time in the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament.

Prior to the match, Gustavus Adolphus (16-4-1) had been 16-0 this season when scoring first.