WHITTIER, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2025) – The Whittier College men's soccer team went toe-to-toe with Pomona-Pitzer in a tightly contested SCIAC matchup on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium, ultimately falling 2-1 despite a spirited effort across the 90 minutes.
Senior midfielder
Rowan Slater (Fort Collins, Colo. / Poudre) gave the Poets an early lead in the 13th minute, calmly converting his third penalty kick of the season. The goal marked his seventh of the year, continuing his run as one of Whittier's most reliable finishers. The Sagehens responded just before halftime and struck again shortly after the break to take the advantage.
Whittier continued to push forward late, generating 12 total shots with five on frame. Freshman forward
Nils Lindfors (Stockholm, Sweden / Christinagymnasiet) led the front line with three attempts, while Slater,
Connor Gilmore (Los Angeles, Calif. / University High / Santa Monica College), and
Anthony Dolce (Salt Lake City, Utah / East) each tested the keeper with quality looks.
Defensively, the Poets battled against a persistent Sagehens attack. Center backs
Ben Harrison (Salt Lake City, Utah / Olympus) and Gilmore anchored the back line, and goalkeeper
Jake Marks (London, England / Immanuel College / D'Youville University | Columbia College) recorded five saves to keep the Purple & Gold within striking distance. With the result, Whittier moves to 8-1-2 overall and 2-1-2 in SCIAC play.
Head Coach
Shea Harwell and the Poets will look to bounce back on Wednesday, Oct. 8, when they travel to Thousand Oaks for a 7 p.m. conference match against California Lutheran University.
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