Greensboro, NC -- Gustavus Adolphus College ended Whitworth College’s season with a 2-1 victory in an NCAA Division III men’s soccer semifinal match at Macpherson Stadium on Friday. Jeffrey Johnson scored the game-winner for the Gusties in the 76th minute.

Following the go-ahead score, Whitworth had a number of scoring opportunities. The Pirates earned five corner kicks in the last 15 minutes. The best chance, however, was a  point-blank attempt by Jonathan Carlson in the 85th minute that Gustavus goalkeeper Tyler Garry (two saves) saved.

“We knew they were going to attack after goal but our defense helped pull it out for us,” Garry said.

The Gusties’ Alex Groth scored off a free kick to open the game’s scoring in the 11th minute. Whitworth countered in the 35th minute. Sophomore Skye Henderson tallied off an assist from Pirate teammate Sean Lambrecht. 

“Our claim to fame this season has been capitalizing on free kicks and making the best of our opportunities, and we did that again today,” said Gustavus Adolphus Head Coach Larry Zelenz. 

The defensive contest produced 16 shots, with Whitworth taking seven. The Pirates, however, collected eight corner kicks to two for the Gusties.

“Their free-kicks were hard to read,” said Whitworth junior goalkeeper Kevin Bostock. “My defense has been strong in front of me all year and they did a good job again today. But we have to give credit to Gustavus Adolphus: They earned their goals.”

Unheralded Gustavus (17-2-5) will be a huge underdog against Messiah in Saturday’s 5 p.m. national championship game. The Falcons are 23-0 and are seeking a fourth national crown in six seasons. Messiah defeated Plattsburgh State, 4-0, in the day’s other semifinal match.

Whitworth closes its year with a 19-2-1 record. Its 19 wins and national semifinal appearance are both Pirate men’s soccer program bests.

“We didn’t give up a lot of opportunities, but Gustavus capitalized on their set pieces,” said Pirate Head Coach Sean Bushey. “But this was a great run. I’m proud of our guys; they fought until the very end.”
 

Gustavus Adolphus (17-2-5) vs. Whitworth College (19-2-1)
 Date: Nov 25, 2005  Attendance: 290
 Weather:

 Goals by period          1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Gustavus Adolphus...  1  1 -  2
 Whitworth College...   1  0 -  1

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  10:27 GAC Alex Groth (9) (Jordan Iblings) - off free kick
  2.  24:43 WHTW Henderson, Skye (5) (Lambrecht, Sean)
  3.  75:12 GAC Jeffrey Johnson (7) (unassisted) - off deflection

 Shots: Gustavus Adolphus.9, Whitworth College 7
 Shots: Gustavus Adolphus. 2, Whitworth College 8
 Saves: Gustavus Adolphus. 2 (Tyler Garry 2), Whitworth College 0 ()