By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University held a 1-0 lead at halftime, but Pacific University rallied in the second half, as the Boxers claimed a 2-1 Northwest Conference victory over the Bearcats on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Sparks Field.

Pacific won for the first time this season and is 1-6 overall, 1-2 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 2-3-1 overall, 1-2-0 in the NWC.

The Bearcats took an early lead when Adan Vazquez (So., F, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS) scored a goal just 6:31 into the match. Vazquez scored inside the 6-yard box after receiving a pass from the right side by Erik Kaufman (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Grant HS).

Willamette continued to lead 1-0 at the intermission. Pacific held a 4-3 edge in shot and a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks at the break.

Just over two minutes into the second half, the Boxers equalized on a penalty kick goal by Patrick Murray at 47:02. Willamette's Etienne Galbreath (Jr., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS) was called for a foul inside the WU penalty area and Murray took advantage of the spot kick to put Pacific on the scoreboard.

Pacific moved in front at 70:02 on a goal by Devin Shull, as he sent the ball to the lower left corner of the goal. He was assisted on the play by Victor Wilson on a pass from the right side.

Neither team scored the rest of the way, as Pacific had three shots and Willamette had one. Murray blasted a shot that went wide at 74:11. Brandon Shiluk (So., F, Castro Valley, CA/Castro Valley HS) of Willamette took a shot at 75:18 that was saved by Pacific goalkeeper Michael Summers.

Grady Bryson of Pacific sent a header wide left at 77:16. Ian Ward earned a shot for the Boxers at 81:57 that was saved by WU goalkeeper Alfredo Zuniga (Sr., Salem, OR/South Salem HS).

Pacific outshot Willamette 7-2 in the second half for an overall advantage of 11-5 in total shots. The Boxers also held a 5-3 edge in shots on goal and a 6-2 margin in corner kicks. In the first half, the Boxers hit the post once on a shot by Ward and hit the crossbar once on a shot by Murray.

Zuniga achieved three saves for Willamette during the game. Summers contributed two saves for Pacific.

The Bearcats will play at home again on Sunday (Sept. 25) against George Fox University at 2:30 p.m.