By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Willamette University scored three goals in the second half to build a 3-0 lead and the Bearcats went on to defeat the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 3-1, during a first round game in the 2022 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Stagg Field on the University of Chicago campus. Willamette's goals were scored by Jett Starr (Jr., F, Portland, OR/Cleveland HS), Drew Alexander (Fy., D, San Mateo, CA/Junipero Serra HS), and Pierce Gallaway (Sr., M, Carmel, CA/Carmel HS). It was the Bearcats' first NCAA postseason win in their second NCAA Championship tournament appearance.

The Bearcats dominated the statistics with a 20-6 edge in total shots and a 7-1 margin in shots on goal. Willamette also held an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks, including 8-1 in the first half. WU outshot the Pioneers 12-2 over the first 45 minutes.

Willamette will take on the University of Chicago in the second round on Sunday, Nov. 13 at Stagg Field with the kickoff set for 7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST. Chicago held off Birmingham Southern College (Ala.), 2-1, in Saturday's other first round game at Stagg Field.

"I was proud of the boys for executing the match plan on the night," Willamette Head Men's Soccer Coach Sam Adelman said. "They have a lot to celebrate, as this is program history with our first win in the NCAA Tournament. We have to be better in many areas if we hope to beat a historic favorite in the University of Chicago, but I back our boys to rise to the occasion and compete. As I told the boys today, 'Why Not Us?'"

Throughout the game, Willamette moved the ball from defense to offense with a combination of passes. The Bearcats maintained significant possession time and controlled the ball in the attacking third for long stretches, especially in the first half.

Although WU controlled most of the first half, UW-Platteville earned a little more possession in the second half and had a chance to score near the 53rd minute. Konrad Kiaja headed the ball from nine yards and hit the left post. The ball bounced up and then landed near the middle of the goal line, where Gallaway cleared the ball to prevent a goal. Sean Kim (Jr., F, Sunnyvale, CA/Homestead HS) of Willamette took a shot from the middle of the 18-yard box about 30 seconds later that forced UWP goalkeeper Seth Aiken to make a save. WU also had a goal disallowed for offside.

Starr opened the scoring at 62:30 on an assist from Alexander. The Bearcats held the 1-0 lead until Alexander put in the second goal at 81:31 as he battled Aiken and a defender for the ball about six yards from goal. Alexander's goal was unassisted.

Willamette upped its advantage to 3-0 at 87:27 on Gallaway's 12th goal of the season. He shot from 14 yards on the right side, sending the ball into the left side of the goal. Luke Varav (So., M, Newbury Park, CA/Newbury Park HS) earned an assist on the play.

The Pioneers scored just 33 seconds later on a shot by Ethan Dietrich. Mitch Reid began the play with a pass from 35 yards out that Dietrich controlled about 10 yards from goal and five yards outside the left post. He moved the ball to his right foot and shot into the lower right corner of the goal. Willamette closed out the game to advance into Sunday's second round matchup with Chicago.

Aiken of UWP was credited with four saves. Carnovale did not record a save, but grabbed several passes that were lofted by the Pioneers into the six-yard goalie box.