By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Yushiro Shiomi (So., D, Kyoto, Japan/TIUA) of Willamette University has been chosen Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts this past weekend as the Bearcats took on Howard Payne University (Texas) and Trinity University (Texas). Willamette defeated Howard Payne, 4-0, on Saturday, Aug. 31 and tied #9-ranked Trinity, 1-1 in two overtimes, on Sunday, Sept. 1, to start the season with a 1-0-1 record. Both games were played at Paul McGinlay Field on the Trinity campus in San Antonio, Texas.

Shiomi score a goal and earned two assists in Willamette's win over Howard Payne. He also helping the Bearcats limit the Yellow Jackets to just three total shots and no shots on goal in the shutout. He registered an assist on each of Willamette's first two goals at 29:48 and 47:36, before scoring a goal himself at 69:45. He played all 90 minutes.

Against Trinity, Shiomi contributed to a strong defensive performance by the Bearcats. Trinity, which entered the game ranked #9 in the NCAA Division III Preseason Poll released by United Soccer Coaches, took 16 shots overall and placed five shots on goal. The Tigers scored their only goal on a penalty kick in the second half.

Willamette earned 17 total shots and had two shots on target in the tie against Trinity. Nicholas Ballenger (Sr., F, Salem, OR/West Salem HS/Oregon State Univ.) scored WU's goal on a 52-yard shot over the goalie during a counter-attack in the first half. Shiomi was one of three Bearcats -- along with goalkeeper Mason Kelliher (Sr., GK, Wellington, N.Z./Wellington College) and Max Berner-Hays (Jr., D, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) -- who played all 110 minutes.

Shiomi and the rest of the Bearcats on defense combined for a 0.45 team goals against average during the week. The Bearcats allowed just one goal in 200 minutes.

Up next for Willamette is a match-up with crosstown rival Corban University on Friday, Sept. 6 at Sparks Field on the WU campus. Game time is set for 7 p.m. (PDT). Corban is ranked #16 in the NAIA Preseason Poll. Willamette defeated the Warriors, 2-1, in an exhibition game on Aug. 24.