By John Lind, Student Assistant, Athletics Communications

WALLA WALLA, WASH. -- Despite an early goal and a one-man advantage, Willamette University dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Whitman College in a Northwest Conference mens soccer matchup Saturday afternoon. Willamette fell to 5-8-2 (4-7-1 NWC) while Whitman improved to 8-7-2 (8-4 NWC).

The Bearcats totaled 13 shots for the game, hitting six on target. Whitman also shot 13 times, hitting four on target.

Willamette got on the scoreboard first 11:02 into the match. Adan Vazquez (So., F, Woodburn, Ore./ Woodburn HS) found the back of the net, volleying the shot off an assist by Mike McGrew (Jr., MF, Portland, Ore./ Grant HS). McGrew flicked on the ball, providing a clean look for Vazquez.

Whitman didnt wait long to respond, scoring their first goal just over two minutes later. Riley Hernandez received a cross from Sam Freedman and put the ball on the far post past Willamette goalkeeper Alfredo Zuniga (Sr., GK, Salem, Ore./ South Salem HS).

However, things quickly took a turn for the worse for the Missionaries. After his goal, Hernandez drew two yellow cards within five minutes and was sent off, leaving Whitman a man down for the final 65 minutes of the match.

Despite playing up one man, Willamette was unable to convert for the rest of the match. With under 10 minutes remaining, Loftin Langsdorf (Jr., D, Vancouver, Wash./ Columbia River HS) received the games second red card after drawing his second yellow. Regulation ended with the teams deadlocked at 1-1, sending the game into overtime.

Vazquez recorded the first shot in overtime, but the Missionaries would inevitably prevail. Just three minutes into overtime, Whitmans Junpei Tsuji sent a corner kick into the box. Missionary defender Cooper Schumacher found the end of Tsujis cross with a header, ending the game 2-1.

Zuniga played all 93 minutes, recording two saves. Vazquez led the Bearcats with five shots, three on goal. Erik Kaufman (Jr., F, Portland, Ore./ Grant HS) also contributed four shots.

Willamette will resume action tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 30) when it plays Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash.