McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Lindsey Oakes' goal in the third minute proved to be all the offense needed for Whitworth Sunday afternoon at the Linfield Soccer Field as the Pirates knocked off Linfield 1-0.

Whitworth, which came into the contest one game back of Northwest Conference leader Puget Sound, found just enough scoring on a muddy field that not conducive to either offense. The Pirates improved to 15-3 overall and 12-2 in the NWC. Linfield droppred to 9-9-1 overall and 6-8-1 in conference action.

Oakes’ seventh goal of the season was unassisted, coming off a rebounded shot attempt that was deflected out by Linfield goalkeeper Kelsey Hasselblad (Jr., Seattle, Wash.).

Despite taking four corner kicks to the Pirates’ one, Linfield could not get on the board in the first half.

Whitworth nearly added another goal in the 53rd minute when Carly Schilperoort’s short drilled off the right post.

Callie Bergstrom made one save in the win. Hasselblad had pressure on her the entire match, picking up eight saves.

Whitworth outshot Linfield 15-5 for the match. Both teams took six corner kicks.

NEXT: Linfield resumes action with a rare Friday game at 11 a.m. against visiting George Fox. Whitworth returns home to face Lewis & Clark Saturday at 11 a.m.