By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- In a battle of crosstown rivals, Corban University defeated Willamette University, 3-0, in an exhibition game for the Bearcats at Sparks Field on Wednesday, Aug. 31. The game counted for the Warriors, who improved to 3-0 on the season. Willamette will open the regular season on Thursday, Sept. 1, when the Bearcats are set to take on Colorado College at 4:30 p.m. (PDT) in a game at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash.

With the Bearcats preparing for Thursday's season opener, many of the Willamette starters played just 24 minutes on Wednesday against Corban. Abdul Ali (Sr., D, West Linn, OR/West Linn HS), who played 54 minutes, was the only WU starter who competed in the second half.

Gian Gargurevich scored the game's first goal for the Warriors at 27:12. The goal was set up by a very long throw-in by Noah Dreves from the right side. The throw propelled the ball near the top of the six-yard box and level with the left post, where Gargurevich headed it back into the upper right corner of the net.

The second goal was recorded by Alexis Luna at 31:04. Saad Monhacht, who earned an assist on the goal, began the play with a lengthy pass down the right sideline. Luna shot from 15 yards near the right side of the penalty area into the upper left corner.

Corban led 2-0 at halftime. Andres Labate completed the scoring for the Warriors at 74:07 on a 14-yard shot into the lower left portion of the goal. Gargurevich received an assist on the play after sending a low cross into the penalty area from the right side. The ball was slightly deflected, but still found Labate, who gained control near a defender and then shot.

WU starting goalkeeper Pierluca Carnovale (So., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) registered one save while playing 23:03. Alexander Tapia (So., GK, San Mateo, CA/Aragon HS) played the final 66:57 and provided several outstanding saves on his way to five stops overall. Corban goalie Quinn McCallion moved to 3-0 on the season, and was credited with one save while earning a complete-game shutout.

The Warriors outshot the Bearcats 14-9 during the game, including 8-0 in the second half. Willamette held a 9-6 edge in total shots in the first half, although the Warriors owned a 4-1 margin at the break. Corban finished with a 9-1 lead in shots on target.

Pierce Gallaway (Sr., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) led the Bearcats with four total shots, while playing 34 minutes. Sean Kim (Jr., F, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) added two shots. Jett Starr (Jr.., F, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) took a shot at the 14:19 mark that was saved by McCallion.

Yuki Onishi topped Corban with three total shots, while Luna and Gargurevich both registered two shots. Onishi and Luna each placed two shots on goal.