SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University played a highly-competitive first 30 minutes against Pacific Lutheran University on Friday, Nov. 3, but the Lutes scored goals at 30:51 and 36:24 to take control of the game. Neither team scored in the second half, as PLU defeated the Bearcats, 2-0, in a Northwest Conference game at Sparks Field. The Lutes improved to 12-5-1 overall, including 9-3-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 1-16-1 overall, 0-12-1 in the NWC.

Pacific Lutherans goals were scored by Baard Asker and by Thomas Pedersen. Mike Ferguson earned an assist on both goals.

Askers goal opened the scoring. His shot from 20 yards moved goalward, before it was deflected by a Willamette defender. The deflection sent the ball into the lower right corner of the goal. Pedersen scored with a shot from 12 yards on the left side of the field. His shot also went low and into the right corner of the net. Pedersen was playing in his first match of the season, after missing most of the schedule due to injury.

Although Willamette held its own with PLU in what was primarily a midfield battle during the first 30 minutes, the Lutes still managed to take a 12-1 lead in total shots in the first half. The Lutes ended the game with a 24-2 edge in total shots, including a 10-2 advantage in shots on goal.

Despite the wide margin in offensive opportunities, the Lutes couldnt increase their lead over the final 45 minutes. WU goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) earned 8 saves for the Bearcats, including five in the second half. Joshua Holley of PLU made two saves and recorded the shutout. PLU finished the contest with a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The Lutes were called for 17 fouls and received three yellow cards. The Bearcats were whistled for 16 fouls, with two WU players earning yellow cards.

Prior to the game, Willamettes three seniors, Paul Slavik (MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS), Zachary Seilo (D, Bellingham, WA/Squalicum HS) and Ryan Ward (D, Salem, OR/McKay HS), were honored. The three seniors have been the Bearcats co-captains this season.

Willamette will play its final game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Pacific University. Game time in Forest Grove, Ore., is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (PST).