McMINNVILLE, ORE. Linfield College scored twice in the first 13 minutes, then added a score following a rebound with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, to defeat visiting Willamette University, 3-0, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 28. Linfield received goals from Mike Grabast, Nick Jauregui and Chris Paradis.
The Wildcats upped their record to 8-6-2 with the win, including 5-5-2 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette's record slipped to 1-15-1 overall and to 0-11-1 in the NWC.
Grabast opened the scoring just 3:26 into the game, when he redirected a fast-moving cross from Tim Solimano. Jauregui also received an assist on the play, after starting the attack with a pass to Solimano, who was wide open on the right side of the field. Grabast was four yards from the goal line when he redirected Solimano's cross.
The Wildcats increased the lead to 2-0 with Jauregui's goal at 12:22. He also redirected a cross, as he struck the ball near the right post. Paradis supplied the cross from the attacking left side. Assists went to Paradis and to Travis Isaacs on the play.
LC owned an 18-4 advantage in shots at the half,including 9-3 in shots on goal. The Bearcats garnered a significant portion of the play over the final 45 minutes, as both teams took nine shots, each with three on goal. WU also achieved a 7-3 margin in corner kicks during the second half.
Paradis recorded the only goal of the second half at 79:50 went he blasted in a rebound from seven yards out. Grabast started the foray with a shot that Willamette goalie Mark Bennett (Fr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) saved and deflected to his right. Paradis pounced on the loose ball for his fifth goal of the season.
Bennett, who finished with eight saves, earned one of his stops on a penalty kick. The PK was setup when Grabast was fouled as he entered the penalty area . Joe Murray attempted the penalty kick at 52:35 and sent the ball low and toward the left corner. Bennett made a diving save, keeping the ball in the field of play as he pushed it past the post.
Although Willamette didn't score in the second half, the Bearcats did create several quality chances. Ivan Gutierrez (So., D/MF, Stayton, OR/Cathedral Prep) provided two solid attempts, including a first-time shot from 12 yards that went just past the right post.
Mikey Rodrigues (Jr., F, Beaverton, OR/Southridge HS) also played well throughout the second half. He contributed two powerful shots, including one from 18 yards on the right side that required a quality save by LC starting goalkeeper Grant Williams.
The shutout was shared by Williams, who played 79:50, and by back-up goalie Mike Belzberg, who completed the game. Williams registered five saves and Belzberg was credited with one save.
Linfield held a 27-13 advantage in total shots in the match, including a 12-6 edge in shots on goal. The Wildcats, who owned a 7-1 margin in corner kicks at halftime, finished with a 10-8 lead in corners at the final buzzer.
Willamette will play its next game at Sparks Field on Friday, Nov. 3 against Pacific Lutheran University at 1 p.m. (PST). The Bearcats will honor seniors Zachary Seilo (D, Bellingham, WA/Squalicum HS), Paul Slavik (MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) and Ryan Ward (D, Salem, OR/McKay HS) prior to the game.
