SALEM, ORE. The University of Puget Sound claimed a 13-5 edge in total shots and earned six corner kicks to just one for Willamette University, as the Loggers defeated the Bearcats, 5-0, in a Northwest Conference mens soccer game played at Sparks Field on Friday, Sept. 22. Puget Sound, ranked #22 in the NCAA Division III Poll conducted by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), kept its record unblemished at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the NWC. Willamette dropped to 1-6-1 on the season, 0-2-1 in the NWC.
Five players scored a goal for the Loggers, starting with Jason Sisneros just 4:09 into the match. Sisneros, who shot from eight-yards out, was assisted by Andrew Hewitt. Tayler Hyde tacked on a goal at 35:27, as he headed in a five-yard shot off a corner kick. The Loggers increased their lead to 3-0 just thirty seconds before the end of the half, when Scott Blanchet hit a one-timer into the net from 18 yards. Jeremy Denman scored at 71:03 and Alex Lehecka connected for a goal at 80:00 to complete the scoring.
In addition to the opening assist by Hewitt, other assists were earned by Daniel Lee, Lehecka and Kevin Fagan. Leheckas goal was unassisted.
UPS fired wide or high on seven of its 13 total shots, but the Loggers found the nets with five of their six shots on goal. Willamette goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Fr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) was credited with one save. Back-up keeper Alek Schilbach played the final 13:37 for Willamette and did not earn a save. For UPS, goalkeeper Pete Van Sant made two saves in earning the shutout. The shots on goal for WU were taken by Ben Ward (Jr., MF, Salem, OR/South Salem HS) and by Forrest Donoho (So., F, Boulder, CO/Fairview HS).
Willamette began a four-game homestand. The Bearcats will be idle until Tuesday, Sept. 26, when they will host George Fox University at 7 p.m. (PDT). Other games in the homestand are scheduled against Linfield College on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. and against Pacific University on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 2:30 p.m. All four games in the homestand are Northwest Conference games.
