By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- Willamette University built a 3-0 lead in the first half and limited Pacific University to one shot during the game, as the Bearcats downed the Boxers, 5-0, on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Hanson Stadium. Four Bearcats each scored one goal, while the fourth goal of the game was an own goal by Pacific.
The Bearcats, who are ranked #12 in the nation in NCAA Division III, improved to 5-0-2 on the season and to 3-0 in the Northwest Conference. Pacific fell to 0-6-1 for the season, 0-3 in the NWC.
"In years past, this fixture wold have been much closer," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Sam Adelman said. "Today showed how much we've matured as a program. The boys did well to limit the opponents' chances, and ultimately earn a strong result through a well-executed performance. We could have been much better in many areas, but we will take the three points."
WU earned an early advantage hen Dylan Ray (Fy., D, Torrance, CA/West HS) scored on an assist from Drew Alexander (Fy., D, San Mateo, CA/Junipero Serra HS) just 4:27 after the opening kickoff. Jake Oetinger (Fy., D, Gilroy, CA/Christopher HS) tacked on an unassisted goal at 25:29, as the Bearcats claimed a 2-0 lead with both goals by defenders.
Luke Varav (So., M, Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) concluded the first half scoring at 31:01 on an unassisted play. WU outshot Pacific 10-1 in the first half.
Willamette's lead reached 4-0 on an own goal by the Boxers at 62:52. Ardem Baronian (Sr., M/F, Los Altos, CA/St. Francis HS) of Willamette completed the scoring with an unassisted goal at 71:05. It was Baronian's first goal of the season to go along with three assists. Eleven Bearcats have scored at least one goal this year.
For the game, the Bearcats owned a 13-1 margin in shots and an 11-3 edge in corner kicks. Willamette achieved nine corner kicks in the first half. A total of 27 players saw action for Willamette during the contest, while 20 players competed for Pacific.
Willamette will host George Fox University on Sunday, Sept. 25. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).