Union-Bulletin

WALLA WALLA — Montana’s University of Great Falls ran its season record to 14-4 with a 1-0 non-conference victory over the Whitman College men’s soccer team Tuesday afternoon at the Whitman Athletic Fields.

After the two sides tussled through a scoreless first half, the NAIA-affiliated Argos got the game winner in the 12th minute of the second half. After bouncing a shot off Whitman keeper Tim Shu, Miguel Mendoza snared his own rebound and scored from five yards out.

"We played well, but Great Falls is a good side," Whitman coach Mike Washington said. "They would do well against any team in our conference.

They are strong and fast.

"It’s not easy playing a scholarship school, but our response was good. We played hard and had them under a good deal of pressure at times."

Whitman nearly broke the scoring ice in the 12th minute of the first half. A crossing pass found Andrew Clark streaking up the left side of the field, and his bullet from 20 yards out missed just right of the near post.

"We had a few more chances like that in the second half," Washington said.

Great Falls outshot Whitman 18-7 for the game. Shu made six saves to keep the Missionaries close.

Chris Reid led Whitman with three shots. Clark took two shots, including one with 13 minutes left in the second half that was saved by Great Falls keeper Zach Johnson.

The Missionaries return to Northwest Conference action this weekend. They play Saturday at Linfield and Sunday at Willamette. Both games start at 2:30 p.m.