Hishmeh Scores in First Game for Willamette
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -- Mississippi College scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to extend a 2-1 lead into a 4-1 victory over Willamette University on Friday, Aug. 31. The game, which was played at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, was the season opener for both teams.
Mississippi College held a 1-0 lead at halftime and increased the margin to 2-0 just 1:16 into the second half. The opening goal was scored by Harrison Russell on a penalty kick at the 7:55 mark. Hugo Flores scored unassisted for the second goal at 46:16.
Willamette freshman Yazan Hishmeh (Fr., F, Ventura, CA/St. Bonaventure HS) cut the lead to 2-1 when he hit the net on a rebound shot at 52:42 following a corner kick. Tyler Yates (Fr., D, Kailua-Kona, HI/Kealakehe HS), who took the corner kick and Etienne Galbreath (Sr., D, Portland, OR/Grant HS), whose initial shot hit the crossbar, earned assists.
Mississippi College pulled away with a penalty kick goal at 80:17 and an additional goal at 86:20. Both goals were scored by Rogelio Medel.
The Bearcats outshot the Choctaws 14-11 in total shots, while both teams registered six shots on goal. Trevor Jensen (Jr., MF, Chula Vista, CA/Bonita Vista HS) led Willamette with three total shots, while four other Bearcats each provided two shots. Russell and Medel each took three total shots, including two shots on goal, for Mississippi College.
It took Willamette a while to adjust to the officiating crew, as the Bearcats were called for 17 fouls in the first half. Willamette added just four more fouls in the second half for a total of 21 infractions. The Choctaws were whistled for five fouls in each half.
The game featured a total of six yellow cards -- three on each team. Receiving yellows for Willamette were Adam Lewis (So., MF, Corvallis, OR/Crescent Valley HS/Pomona-Pitzer), Luke Falcone (So., D, Boulder, CO/Colorado Rocky Mountain School) and Mike McGrew (Sr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS).
Willamette will play two more games in Texas. Up next is a match-up with Southwestern University (Texas) on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. PDT on the Pirates' home field in Georgetown.
The Bearcats will return to San Antonio on Monday, Sept. 3 to take on Trinity University at 2 p.m. CDT/12 p.m. PDT. Trinity is tied for #4 in the NCAA Division III Preseason Poll released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Trevor Jensen took three shots for the Bearcats against Mississippi College.
