Whitworth elminates Chapman from NCAA playoffs

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - An early goal in the 7th minute of play proved to be the game-winner as the Chapman University men's soccer team was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Division III championships with a 2-0 loss to top-seeded Whitworth University on Saturday at U.C. Santa Cruz. The No. 4-seeded Panthers were making their first NCAA postseason appearance in 10 years.

Whitworth's Keith Kirsch scored on a pass from the right side off the foot of Dion Coxe to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead at 6:51 in the first half. Whitworth (14-2-3) held onto that lead despite being out-shot 5-3 in the half and 12-9 in the game. The Pirates then tacked on an insurance goal in the 58th minute when Cameron Bushey netted a shot to make it 2-0.

Trailing 1-0 early in the second half, Chapman (11-5-2) found itself in more hot water when Whitworth was awarded a penalty kick after a Panther foul inside the goalie box. However, the Panthers dodged the bullet when junior GK Tyler Hadzinsky made the save on the PK preserving the 1-0 deficit. Chapman could not turn the momentum in its favor however as the Pirates scored their second goal just a short time later.

Chapman also could not capitalize on a number of scoring chances throughout the game as the Panthers totaled nine corner kicks to just one for Whitworth. Pirates' GK Brian Sherpe made three saves to earn the shutout. Hadzinsky also had three saves for Chapman in defeat.

Whitworth will face Claremont in Sunday's West Region semifinal for a chance to advance to the ‘Sweet 16'. The Stags were 2-1 winners over No. 2 seed and host U.C. Santa Cruz on Saturday afternoon.

Box Score: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/msoc/2009-10/stats/cu-whtw.htm