Ranked Pirates produce soccer sweep

Nationally ranked Whitworth University men’s and women’s soccer teams swept a doubleheader Thursday afternoon against visiting Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Whitworth men (4-0-1) came from behind with a goal in the second half for a 2-1 victory in the nightcap of the twin contests. Freshman Eddy Prugh scored his first career goal for the win with just less than 9 minutes remaining and Whitewater a man down the result of a late first-half red card. He beat goalkeeper Kevin Spry to a ball at the top of the box and lofted his shot into the goal at the 82nd minute. Prugh’s senior brother John had the assist.

The Warhawks dominated the early going and led 1-0 on Luke Bucholz’s goal in the ninth minute. Near the end of the half, Joey Mattina tied the match with a penalty kick following the red card.

The victory concluded a difficult preseason schedule for the Pirates that included three matches against 2007 NCAA Division III national tournament qualifiers, including the Warhawks (2-1-1).

This week the Pirates were elevated to No. 8 in the national rankings.

The Pirates women (4-0) prevailed 1-0 on Emily Rohde’s goal in the 72nd minute. Rohde was set up by Elizabeth Mattila, who drove hard by a defender to the right side of the net and crossed the ball back to Rohde, who scored from 12 yards. It was her second goal of the season.

Whitworth, ranked fifth nationally this week, outshot the Warhawks 11-1. Keeper Mary Scanlin of the Warhawks (2-2) had 10 saves.

Both Pirates teams are idle until beginning Northwest Conference play at Linfield, Sept. 20 in McMinnville, Ore..