SALEM, OR -- Willamette University scored a goal less than 17 minutes into the game, and the Bearcat defense shut out Walla Walla College the rest of the way, as the Bearcats claimed a 1-0 victory over th Wolves. Willamette improved to 1-3 on the season. Walla Walla fell to 0-2.

The game's only goal was tallied by Andrew Monbouquette (Fr., MF, Omaha, NE/Omaha Central HS) at 16:55. Monbouquette took a long cross from the left side and shot from eight yards out into the lower right corner of the goal. Trevor Jones (Jr., MF, Portland, OR/Grant HS) received an assist on the play.

The Bearcats outshot Walla Walla, 29-14, including 8-6 on goal. Most of Walla Walla's shots were from long range and provided easy saves for Willamette goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Fr., Salt Late City, UT/West HS).

Even so, the Wolves had a chance to tie the score with 7:44 remaining, when Philimon Tudor received a pass inside the Willamette penalty area and had only Bennett to beat. Tudor, who was positioned about eight yards out from the goal and a couple of yards wider than the left post, chose a near-post shot. Bennett snuffed out the attempt to retain the shutout. Bennett recorded eight saves overall.

Willamette had the better of play for most of the match, but couldn't overcome Walla Walla's offside trap near the 18-yard line. The Bearcats managed a couple of additional solid shots, but Tim Lo responded with seven saves for Walla Walla.

The Bearcats will complete their season-opening, five-game homestand on Tuesday, Sept. 12, when they host cross-town rival Corban College. Game time at Sparks Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.