By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Krisna LaFrance (So., F, Seattle, WA./Ballard HS) scored the game-winning goal with just under 10 minutes remaining to give the Willamette University Bearcats a 2-1 victory over Pacific Lutheran University at Sparks Field on Sunday, Sept. 18. The Bearcats extended their record to 4-0-2 on the season, including 2-0-0 in the Northwest Conference.
Pacific Lutheran, which lost for the first time this year, slipped to 5-1-0 overall, 1-1-0 in the NWC. The Lutes entered the game ranked #14 in the NCAA Division III National Poll. PLU was ranked #1 and Willamette was ranked #6 in this week's Region X Poll.
LaFrance shot from 11 yards into the lower left corner of the goal after receiving a pass from Drew Alexander (Fy., D, San Mateo, CA/Junipero Serra HS). Alexander created just enough space near the end line to pass from the left side toward LaFrance, who first-timed the ball past Pacific Lutheran goalkeeper Nicolas Gaston.
Willamette kept the Lutes from scoring a tying goal, as the Bearcats limited PLU to just one shot after the goal by LaFrance. The Lutes' one shot in the closing minutes was taken by Ayden Lawes from several yards outside the 18-yard box. The shot was grabbed by WU goalie Pierluca Carnovale (Jr., GK, Seattle, WA/Ballard HS) in the center of the goal. Willamette held the Lutes to three shots in the final 45 minutes.
The first half included one goal for each team. Jett Starr (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS) scored the opening goal for Willamette at the 14:33 mark. The play began on the right side of the field and 28 yards from the goal, as Ardem Baronian (Sr., M/F, Los Altos, CA/St. Francis HS) struck the ball on a free kick. The pass reached Starr eight yards out. Starr headed the ball, which dropped under a driving Gaston on its way into the middle of the net.
Pacific Lutheran equalized the score at 18:49 on a shot by Trevor Thompson. The goal was scored from 14 yards into the middle of the net following a cross from the right side.
The Bearcats achieved a slim 9-8 lead in total shots at halftime, with PLU holding a 3-2 margin in shots on goal. In the second half, Willamette outshot the Lutes 12-3, including 7-1 in shots on target. For the game, WU owned a 21-11 edge in shots (9-4 on goal).
Baronian of Willamette led all players with six total shots and three shots on goal. Teammates Starr, LaFrance, and Pierce Gallaway (Sr., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS) each took three shots. Thompson paced PLU with three shots. Willamette attained a 4-1 lead in corner kicks.
Carnovale made three saves for the Bearcats and the WU defense played well throughout the contest. Gaston recorded seven saves for the Lutes.
Willamette will play at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, on Saturday, Sept. 24. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).