SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University and Pacific University battled for 110 minutes before the teams finished their Northwest Conference game in a 1-1 double-overtime tie. Willamette moved to 2-5-1 overall, 1-2-1 in the NWC. Pacific ended the game at 5-2-3 overall, 1-0-3 in the NWC.
Nick Forbes (Sr., F, Carbondale, CO/Colorado Rocky Mountain School) of Willamette University scored for the Bearcats at 32:19. WU continued to hold a 1-0 lead at halftime and remained in front until Sean Mills scored for Pacific at 55:54. Neither team scored in the final 34 minutes of regulation or during either of the two 10-minute overtime periods.
The goal by Forbes followed a through pass from midfielder Casey Dineen (Jr., Portland, OR/Jesuit HS) that allowed Forbes to gain control near the top of the penalty area. Forbes moved left and dribbled into the area, where he was met by Pacific goalie Chris Grasso. As Forbes was about to shoot, Grasso lunged for the ball. He deflected it, but Forbes was able to regain control and shoot for the net.
Mills scored the equalizing goal for Pacific on a 26-yard shot from the left side. He placed the ball high into the right side of the goal.
Pacific outshot Willamette 18-10 overall, but held a slimmer 12-9 edge in regulation. The Boxers, who used 19 players during the game, earned a 6-1 advantage in shots during the overtime periods. In regulation, both teams had a couple of additional quality scoring chances, including two shots that hit the post by Willamette.
WU goalkeeper Mark Bennett (Jr., Salt Lake City, UT/West HS) made solid contributions for the Bearcats. He finished with 11 saves overall, and made three or four saves on solid strikes by the Boxers. Grasso earned five saves for Pacific.
The game featured many competitive battles for the ball and was physical without being dirty. A total of 56 fouls were called during the game, with 31 on Pacific and 25 on Willamette. Three yellow cards were issued, including two on the Boxers.
Willamette will play at Pacific Lutheran University on Sunday, Oct. 5. Game time is slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT).
BOX SCORE
Willamette University 1, Pacific University 1 (2 OT)Nick Forbes hit the net at 32:19 to give WU a 1-0 lead.
